LANSING, June 2, 2021 ~ This week, Consumers Energy began charging their 1.6 million customers 50% more during peak afternoon usage hours. The company announced the increased rate is effective weekdays starting Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is set to remain through September.
“We are trying to encourage customers to take charge of their energy usage, to think about not just how much energy they use, but what time of day they’re using it,” said Consumers Spokesman Brian Wheeler.
The Summer Peak Rate plan is part of an initiative set to reduce power generation in order to avoid building new power plants to meet power needs.
June 2, 2021 ~ Vice President of Customer Experience at Consumers Energy Lauren Youngdahl Snyder talks with Chris Renwick about the increased rates during peak hours.
\”Some of the power plants that get built don\’t get used for much of the year,\” Wheeler said. \”This became a question of, \’Is there a more affordable approach and a more environmentally appropriate approach?\’ This can make a significant impact by simply shifting that usage to different hours of the day.\”
Consumers Energy plans to retire all coal generating stations by 2040.
DTE Energy customers will not be affected by this plan. However, DTE is testing its own program to alter peak usage prices, according to reports.
MORE ARTICLES:
LANSING, June 2, 2021 ~ This week, Consumers Energy began charging their 1.6 million customers 50% more during peak afternoon usage hours. The company announced the increased rate is effective weekdays starting Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is set to remain through September.
“We are trying to encourage customers to take charge of their energy usage, to think about not just how much energy they use, but what time of day they’re using it,” said Consumers Spokesman Brian Wheeler.
The Summer Peak Rate plan is part of an initiative set to reduce power generation in order to avoid building new power plants to meet power needs.
June 2, 2021 ~ Vice President of Customer Experience at Consumers Energy Lauren Youngdahl Snyder talks with Chris Renwick about the increased rates during peak hours.
\”Some of the power plants that get built don\’t get used for much of the year,\” Wheeler said. \”This became a question of, \’Is there a more affordable approach and a more environmentally appropriate approach?\’ This can make a significant impact by simply shifting that usage to different hours of the day.\”
Consumers Energy plans to retire all coal generating stations by 2040.
DTE Energy customers will not be affected by this plan. However, DTE is testing its own program to alter peak usage prices, according to reports.
MORE ARTICLES: