Consumers Energy continues natural gas investment to reduce long-term costs for customers
Consumers Energy is continuing its $1 B/yr 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in the company’s natural gas delivery system as part of its Natural Gas Delivery Plan, resulting in miles of aging and outdated pipeline replaced every year and reducing long-term costs for customers by providing cleaner, more reliable natural gas for decades to come.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- The replacement of outdated mains and services with streamlined processes.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/d 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.”
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