Replacing aging infrastructure results in
safer, more affordable natural gas
JACKSON,
Mich., Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers
Energy is continuing its $1 billion
annual investment in the company's natural gas delivery system as
part of its Natural Gas Delivery Plan, resulting in miles of aging
and outdated pipeline replaced every year and reducing long-term
costs for customers by providing cleaner, more reliable natural gas
for decades to come.
"While exploration of other affordable, clean energy
alternatives continues, natural gas remains the most cost-effective
means of heating homes and businesses in places like Michigan," said Chris
Fultz, vice president of gas operations for Consumers
Energy. "We take seriously our responsibility to provide that gas
to millions of customers that need it from us, and that is why
we're making our system stronger, safer and more affordable than
ever before."
The work to increase reliability of the company's natural gas
storage and delivery systems has resulted in:
- Upgrades to transmission infrastructure, including the
Mid-Michigan Pipeline.
- The removal of pipe made from vintage materials, in some cases
more than 60 years old.
- The replacement of outdated mains and services with streamlined
processes.
- The support of hundreds of construction jobs each year.
To continue facilitating these improvements — including the
replacement of 30 miles of pipeline crossing three counties in 2023
alone — the company has filed a natural gas rate case with the
Michigan Public Service Commission. While some customers could
potentially see a small increase on their bill, the average
customer would still be paying less than $3 a day to feed their family and heat their
home.
"Our ultimate goal is to keep costs as low as possible for our
customers in the years to come, but we have to make these
investments in the short term to achieve that goal," said
Holly Bowers, vice president of gas
engineering and supply for Consumers Energy. "We understand the
significant burden even a small increase can be for our most
vulnerable customers, and that is why we've also continued to
invest in and develop programs and opportunities that can reduce
that burden and provide assistance in other meaningful ways."
Consumers Energy provided more than $25
million last winter to help homes and businesses with rising
energy costs, and recently announced a more than $1 million investment in a series of initiatives
to improve quality of life and reduce bills for customers in
historically disadvantaged communities.
Those in need of help should contact 2-1-1, a free service that
connects Michiganders with nonprofits to find help with basic
needs, from energy bills to food and shelter. Consumers Energy
customers also should call 800-477-5050 if they are facing
challenges with their bill.
Many people can manage their winter bills by starting with tips
at home or work. Learn more
at ConsumersEnergy.com/coldweather.
- Have your heating system tuned and inspected by a service
professional. Heat losses from a poorly maintained system can range
between 1-2 percent a year.
- Clean or replace your furnace filter often during the heating
season. If your furnace can "breathe" more easily, it will use less
energy.
- Dial your thermostat down at night and add an extra blanket for
warmth.
- Make sure your attic, basement, garage and exterior doors are
closed to prevent cold drafts from getting in and heat from getting
out.
- Turn on your ceiling fan. Ceiling fans set at a slow speed push
warm air away from the ceiling and move it around the room without
creating a chilling breeze.
Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy
(NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7
million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower
Peninsula counties.
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to
ConsumersEnergy.com.
Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy
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SOURCE Consumers Energy