As Michigan families continue to feel the strain of rising everyday expenses, Consumers Energy is beginning 2026 with a $5 million investment aimed at helping customers manage energy costs and stay connected to essential services.
The funding will support direct customer assistance, community partnerships, and programs designed to reduce the financial burden of energy bills. According to the company, the investment is part of a broader commitment to affordability and proactive customer support rather than a one-time response to economic pressure.
“Affordable energy is a promise we make to our customers,” said Lauren Snyder, senior vice president and chief customer and growth officer at Consumers Energy. “Our customers are facing real pressure in their everyday lives, and we believe energy shouldn’t add to that burden.”
The $5 million will be funded directly by Consumers Energy, not through customer bills, and distributed through nonprofit and community organizations across the state that already serve families in need. Partner agencies include United Way South Central Michigan, TrueNorth Community Services, The Salvation Army – Great Lakes Division, Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Archdiocese of Detroit, THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund), New Day Foundation, Greater Flint Health Coalition, Kent County Community Action, Mid-Michigan Community Action, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, and Ottawa Community Action Agency.
While the company notes that its rates remain competitive compared to regional and national benchmarks, Consumers Energy emphasized that affordability is about more than price comparisons. The focus, the company says, is on helping customers manage costs and access support before financial challenges escalate.
Customers who need assistance are encouraged to call 2-1-1, a free statewide service that connects residents with local nonprofits offering help with basic needs such as energy bills, food, and housing. Additional resources are available through Consumers Energy’s assistance programs, including an online tool that matches customers with payment assistance and energy-saving options. Customers facing immediate billing challenges are also encouraged to contact Consumers Energy directly for support.
Consumers Energy described the investment as part of a larger, ongoing approach that integrates affordability into how the company designs programs, communicates with customers, and partners with communities statewide. Additional actions focused on energy affordability are expected throughout the year.
“When our customers are making hard choices at the kitchen table, energy should not be one of them,” Snyder said. “We have a responsibility to meet customers where they are.”
Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, serving 6.8 million residents across all 68 counties in the Lower Peninsula with natural gas and electricity services.