GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Michigan is getting its first real taste of summer this week. Consumers Energy is offering ways to stay cool without breaking the bank on your energy bill.
Monday was hot—in fact, hot enough that we broke two record-high temperatures in Muskegon and Holland. Grand Rapids also saw its first 90-degree temperature of the season at 94° but did not break any records.
“People can take action, even on scorching summer days, to stay in control of their bills and be safe and comfortable,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “We want to make sure our customers know they can ease the strain on their air conditioners by taking simple steps that add up to savings.”
Snyder says you should take the following steps this week:
- Start with your thermostat: Perhaps the easiest way to reduce your energy use is to adjust your thermostat. For every degree you change your thermostat, you can save 1 to 3 percent over time. Don’t be uncomfortable, but understand that a small change can make a big difference.
- Speaking of thermostats: Consumers Energy is offering Google Nest thermostats at no cost to eligible households. Smart thermostats can save you up to 15% on your bill. Customers whose homes receive electricity from Consumers Energy and have central air can learn more at ConsumersEnergy.com/SpringGiveaway.
- Turn off the lights: Don’t want to waste money? Don’t waste energy. Turn off the lights when you leave rooms, and turn off appliances when they’re not being used.
- Shift your energy use: Save money by using energy in the mornings or at night. Or if you have an electric vehicle, charge it overnight. Those are the times when energy is the most affordable.
- Be a big fan of fans: Use your air conditioner, of course, but fans are also effective ways to keep cool on hot days. Did we mention you should turn them off when you walk away? Fans cool people, not rooms.
Anyone who needs financial assistance with their energy bill can call 211, a free resource that connects people with nonprofit organizations, or visit the Consumers Energy website here.
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