JACKSON, Mich., June 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy customers looking for predictable bills can benefit by enrolling in the monthly Budget Plan.
Under Consumers Energy's Budget Plan, customers take the guesswork out of their monthly bill by paying the same amount each time. The monthly amount is based on past energy usage, fuel costs and projected temperatures. Nearly 400,000 Consumers Energy customers are enrolled in the Budget Plan, including 5,000 business customers.
"The Budget Plan is popular because it offers customers predictable utility bills by paying the same amount each month. Paying a set amount allows customers to help manage their family or business budget," said Doug Detterman, Consumers Energy's executive manager of customer operations.
While the exact amount will vary from customer to customer, the Budget Plan monthly payment for an average residential electric plan amount will be $91, and the average residential natural gas plan amount will be $80. Consumers Energy's natural gas fuel costs have dropped by about 12 percent compared to one year ago. Customers must have their bill payments current in order to enroll.
Customers can enroll in the Budget Plan at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/budgetplan, or by calling the company's toll-free number, 1-800-477-5050 and using the automated voice system options, or by talking with a customer service representative.
Detterman noted that for customers wanting to further streamline their bill paying process, they can coordinate the Budget Plan with Consumers Energy's free and convenient Direct Pay or online recurring debit and credit card payment options.
Customers who choose the Direct Pay service receive their predicted energy bill electronically via an e-mail link. Then payment is deducted automatically each month from the designated financial account or debit/credit card making their energy payments easier in two ways.
"Customers who pay their Consumers Energy bill electronically make it easier on themselves and the environment," said Detterman. "Using our eBill service saves you a trip to the mailbox. It's convenient and saves on postage and paper." These are just two examples of how we're helping you to have the energy you need whenever you need it.
Customers can enroll in this program through Consumers Energy's website at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/eservices
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
For more information regarding Consumers Energy, go to:www.ConsumersEnergy.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
SOURCE Consumers Energy