Michigan summers mean adventure, fun and time with friends or family. It shouldn’t mean breaking the bank because of high temperatures. Make the most of the season and your energy budget with these reminders, tips and ways to save.

Manage Your Summer Rate

Summer Rate billing starts June 1 and runs through Sept. 30. During this time electric pricing will be higher during “on-peak” times from 2 – 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

This seasonal rate structure encourages you to shift some of your energy use to “off-peak” times to take advantage of cheaper electricity costs.

Why? It’s better for customers: Just like waiting for things to go on sale because of supply and demand, you can save money by using electricity when it’s cheaper. As temperatures rise during the summer, so does the demand and cost of electricity. So instead of paying a higher flat rate for the summer season, we have a reduced electric rate for 143 hours a week and a slightly higher rate during the 25 “on-peak” hours from 2 – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. This allows you to control the rate you pay by choosing what time of day you use energy for the big things like running your dishwasher and doing laundry.

We realize utility rates are complex, so we don’t want to muddy the waters too much. We just want you to know there are small changes you can make during the summer season to ensure you’re using energy at the best time to help keep your bill as low as possible.

Tips to Save on Your Energy Bill

  • Adjust your AC – Set your thermostat to 78° when you are home, especially from 2 – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and a couple degrees higher when you’re away. You’ll typically save 1 to 3% on cooling costs for every degree you dial up.
  • Postpone your chores – Run the dishwasher and do the laundry before 2 p.m. or after 7 p.m. on weekdays or save it for the weekend. If you have delay-start features, load early and set to automatically start in the evening.
  • Refresh your AC filters – Clean or replace your AC filters once a month to allow your AC unit to run more efficiently.
  • Swap out your lightbulbs – Replace old incandescent bulbs with energy efficient LEDs. Start with your home’s five most frequently used bulbs.
  • Close your curtains – Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to keep your home cooler.
  • Plug into a smart strip – Plug electronic devices into a smart power strip to prevent them from consuming electricity even when they’re not in use.
  • Install a smart thermostat – Install a programmable or smart thermostat to control your AC and save up to 15% on your energy bill. They can automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings for the best performance. Need a thermostat? Shop our Online Store for discounts.

If you want more information or want to dive into the nitty gritty of the summer rate structure, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/SummerRate.

More Ways to Save

If all that feels overwhelming, we also have programs that take the guess work out of when you should shift your energy use. Compare our summer programs to find the right one for you.

If you need a hand paying your energy bill, call 2-1-1 to connect with available resources in your community. Or check out our payment assistance and programs options that can help you manage your energy costs.

Count on us to help manage summer’s energy budget so you can enjoy all that Michigan’s warm weather has to offer.

 

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