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The permanent program replaces a three year experimental program which allowed up to 300,000 to participate in 2000. This expanded program gives all customers the option to obtain natural gas from a supplier of their choice. This means that you, as a residential or business customer will now be able to choose a new gas supplier. Consumers Energy will still continue to provide gas distribution service by delivering your gas to your home or business. Beginning April 1, 2001, up to 600,000 Consumer Energy natural gas customers are eligible to participate in the program on a first-come, first-served basis. Effective April 1, 2002, up to 900,000 customers are eligible and all gas customers may participate on April 1, 2003. Participation in the program is strictly voluntary. If you do not wish to switch to a new supplier your gas service will continue to be provided by Consumers Energy and the price of your gas supply will be regulated by the Public Service Commission. If you wish to switch to a new supplier the price you pay for your gas supply will be the price the supplier offers. If you choose to participate in the customer choice program you must remain a choice customer for 12 months. If you switch back to buying gas from Consumers Energy after participating in the customer choice program you are required to remain a Consumers Energy sales customer for 12 months before you can choose a new supplier. |
| Frequently Asked Questions About Consumers Energy Gas Customer Choice Program |
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Who is eligible to participate in Consumers' Customer Choice program? | ||
| All residential and business customers are eligible. | |||
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If I am on the Equal Monthly Payment Plan, can I participate? | ||
| Yes. | |||
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What if I do not wish to switch to a new supplier? | ||
| That is your choice. If you choose to remain a sales customer of Consumers Energy the price that you pay for your gas supply will be determined by the Michigan Public Service Commission. See current rates. | |||
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How do I sign up with a new supplier? | ||
| You can sign up over the telephone, via the Internet, or in person. You will need to provide your name, address and Consumers Energy account number if you want to sign up with the new supplier. These numbers are on your bill. Your new supplier will then send the information to Consumers. To avoid unauthorized switching, do not disclose specific account information if you do not want to be switched to a new supplier. | |||
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Is there a sign up period? | ||
| No. Beginning April 1, 2001, you can sign up anytime during the year until 600,000 customers have enrolled. If enrollment is full, the next sign-up period will begin April 1, 2002. All sales customers will be able to choose another supplier beginning April 1, 2003. | |||
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How can I find out which suppliers are participating in the program? | ||
| See Supplier/Marketer Contacts page for a list of suppliers that are licensed with the MPSC. | |||
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How long will it take to switch to a new supplier? | ||
| About two to six weeks depending on when your gas utility reads your meter. | |||
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Can I switch from one supplier to another? | ||
| Yes, you can switch to another supplier at any time. However, be sure to ask your potential suppliers if there is a cancellation fee or a minimum term to be eligible for the savings or rebate. You can switch back to Consumers Energy sales service after 12 months, but must remain with Consumers Energy for the following 12 months. | |||
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How do I cancel my contract? | ||
| You must contact the supplier to cancel your contract. The MPSC does not regulate the supplier and therefore cannot cancel or change contracts. | |||
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Do I have to pay a fee if I switch suppliers? | ||
| There is no fee for your original enrollment and you are also allowed to switch once each year without a fee. There is a $10.00 fee for each additional switch. | |||
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Does the Michigan Public Service Commission regulate the rates of the suppliers participating in the program? | ||
| No. It is up to you to determine if a supplier meets your needs. Be sure you understand the terms of the contract and the price you will pay, including any additional administrative fees the supplier may charge. If you have questions or problems concerning your gas supply, you must contact the supplier. See Supplier/Marketer Contacts page. | |||
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Who will deliver the gas to my home? | ||
| Consumers Energy will continue to deliver gas to your home. You will not need a new service line or meter if you choose a new supplier. Your delivery (distribution) cost is $0.16344 per Ccf and your monthly customer charge is $7.50. | |||
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If I choose an alternative supplier to purchase gas on my behalf, do I pay my utility any charges?? | ||
| Yes, you would pay the utility delivery charges that you have always paid. These charges consist of the Monthly Customer Charge and the Distribution Charge. The amount you agree to pay your alternative supplier for the gas they purchased for you will be billed and collected by Consumers Energy and Consumers Energy will pay your alternative supplier. | |||
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Will I continue to pay sales tax on my entire bill if I switch suppliers? | ||
| Yes. If you are a residential customer your bill will include a 4% sales tax rate on the total bill. If you are a business customer, the rate is 6%. | |||
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Who do I call if I smell gas? | ||
| If you smell gas, have a service emergency or have a billing dispute you will still call Consumers Energy for help. | |||
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Who do I call if I have a billing dispute? | ||
| Consumers Energy will continue to read your meter and send you a bill for their delivery service and the gas you purchased from your supplier. Call your energy supplier if you have any questions concerning your gas charges. If you have questions concerning your customer charge or distribution charges, you will still call Consumers Energy. | |||
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What can I do if I can't get my problem resolved through Consumers Energy or the supplier? | ||
| If you have not received a satisfactory response from your gas utility or your new supplier, inquire or complain to the staff of the Michigan Public Service Commission (at www.Michigan.gov/mpsc under Consumer Information). | |||
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