Consumers Energy customers with new electronic meters may now choose their own billing dates

Consumers Energy customers who received new electric meters can now choose their own billing date because the new meters send accurate daily usage information wirelessly, improving billing accuracy and flexibility, the company announced on Friday.

“Consumers Energy is committed to building a smarter, more reliable energy infrastructure, and our meter technology is just one of the investments we’re making in Michigan’s energy future,” Consumers Energy Senior Vice President of Distribution and Customer Operations Garrick Rochow said. “Offering our customers a payment option that fits their schedule is just one way we’re striving to find new and innovative ways to provide value to our customers.”

The new meters keep track of consumer usage daily, eliminating the need for meter readings and estimations. The new technology is also more accurate than previous methods, and customers can view real-time usage information online through a new portal.

Through the new portal, customers can choose their own billing date, receive alerts when energy usage is higher than usual, predict their bill, and review energy usage by the hour.

As part of a new initiative, 600,000 Consumers Energy customers who receive both electric and natural gas service will receive the upgraded meters.

Consumers Energy is the largest utility in Michigan. It is also the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy.