What to Do When You Can’t Pay Your Consumers Energy Bill
Consumers Energy is a gas and electric company serving more than 16.5 million customers in Michigan. The company is working toward:
- Energy Efficiency
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Support
- New Power Generation
The official website offers account information, company information and news about Consumers Energy.
How to Pay the Bill
When Consumers Energy customers want to pay their utility bill, the company offers several options.
Pay Automatically: Consumers Energy accepts Direct eCheck, credit card and debit card payments. The service is available via your online account. There is no fee associated with automatic payments.
Pay Online: You can pay your Consumers Energy bill online by visiting http://www.consumersenergy.com/content.aspx?id=1140. There is no fee for this payment service.
Pay with Easy Pay: Easy Pay is a one-time payment service available to Consumers Energy customers. Customers can pay with credit card, debit card and personal or business check. There is a $6.25 fee per transaction.
Pay via Automated Customer Service: Customers can call 1-800-477-5050 to pay by phone. Choose option 3, then option 2 and finally option 1 at the phone prompts. Customers must have the 12-digit account number and bill amount when calling the automated payment line.
Pay by Mail: Mail Consumers Energy bill to:
Consumers Energy
Lansing, MI 48937-0001
Make sure to include the top portion of the bill or the 12-digit account number with payment.
Questions About Your Billing Statement or Account?
Consumers Energy offers a detailed FAQs section to answer customer questions about late payment fees, billing errors and payment arrangements. Additional information about fees can be addressed by customer service at 1-800-477-5050.
How the Penalty Fees Work
We could not find any information on penalty fees for Consumers Energy. If service is disconnected, Consumers Energy requires customers:
- Returned payment: $15 per returned payment
- Late payment fee: 2% of the past due amount
- Restoration fee: $50 to $80
I Can’t Make a Payment
Consumers Energy offers payment arrangements and other options to customers having trouble paying their utility bill.
Payment Arrangements: Sign-in to your online account and click the My Accounts tab. Next, select Create Payment Arrangement and follow the prompts. Customers can also call Customer Service at 1-800-477-5050 for more information on payment arrangements.
United Way 2-1-1: Call 2-1-1 for more information about consumer agencies offering help paying utility bills.
Home Heating Credit: Michigan offers a Home Heating Credit for qualified customers. Customers must meet income guidelines and apply for credit by September 30 of each year.
Shut-Off Protection Plan: Customers falling within set income guidelines can ensure service will never be shut-off by signing up for the Shut-Off Protection Plan. The plan requires a 10-percent down payment and participation in the Budget Payment Plan.
Budget Payment Plan: Customers can spread out utility costs over an entire year. This service estimates one year of utility service costs based on previous bills and charges an average payment so consumers can budget the utility cost.
Winter Protection Plan: Low-income and elderly customers may be able to defer certain utility costs during winter months. Income guidelines are available from Consumers Energy customer service.
LIHEAP: This program is designed for low-income customers that can’t pay you bill. You must know how to qualify for energy assistance with LIHEAP prior to receiving benefits. Customers that want additional information are encouraged to call 1-866-674-6327.
Will They Work With me to Pay My Bill?
Did Consumers Energy work with you to pay your past due utility bill? Let us know about the company.
