Consumers Energy: Energy efficiency is lowest cost energy option
July 12, 2013 | By
Barbara Vergetis Lundin
Customers of Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, are seeing significant long-term savings and benefits from energy-efficiency programs. Consumers Energy launched the energy optimization programs in response to Michigan's 2008 energy reform law and in an effort to reduce electric use by at least 5.5 percent and natural gas use by at least 3.85 percent by 2015. In 2013, more than 106,000 residential customers and 29,000 business customers participated in at least one energy-efficiency program ranging from high-efficiency furnaces to energy-efficient lighting. For example, more than 8,000 inefficient furnaces were replaced with highly efficient gas versions. "The savings are real. The benefits are broad, measurable and sustainable," said Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience and operations. "Consumers Energy has made a promise to the people of Michigan to provide low-cost energy when they want it. As we plan for the long term, Consumers Energy knows that the lowest cost energy is the energy that we collectively don't use. By leveraging technology advances and good communication, energy efficiency is an important part of the energy mix…," said Poppe. Participating customers have saved $365 million since the programs were launched in 2009. The savings extend well-beyond -- almost 10 years -- the initial equipment installation date. Electric program savings could power 142,000 Michigan homes for one year, and natural gas program savings could annually heat 60,000 homes. Consumers Energy works with 2,100 energy-efficiency trade allies -- up from 1,700 two years ago -- who provide customers with information about energy-efficiency rebates and equipment. For more: Related Article: Sign up for our FREE newsletter for more news like this sent to your inbox! © 2013 FierceMarkets. All rights reserved. http://www.fierceenergy.com |