Festive Holiday Indoor, Outdoor Lighting Less Than $4 Month

JACKSON, Mich., Dec. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is reminding customers that displaying decorative lights is a cost-effective way to create a festive atmosphere during the holidays and to keep the season joyful by keeping safety in mind.

"Holiday lights are a very affordable way for our customers to add cheer to businesses and neighborhoods during this special season," said Michele Kirkland, Consumers Energy's vice president of energy operations. "Our Promise to Michigan is working to deliver the energy you need, whenever you need it – that promise applies all times of the year."

It costs about 8 cents to keep 300 icicle lights on four hours and about 5 cents to light a Christmas tree with 200 miniature lights four hours. At 13 cents per night, a month of holiday cheer with these indoor and outdoor decorations costs about $3.90.

Decorators can shave energy costs with LED lights, which are growing in popularity and use about 80 percent less electricity than standard light strings.

Consumers Energy estimates that approximately 6 percent of the electric use by its residential and commercial customers can be attributed to the holiday season. Electric demand in December increases from businesses and shopping malls, which install special lighting displays and extend shopping hours, as well as for residential holiday lights.

Tips from the Michigan fire marshal for staying safe during the holidays include:

• Choose a fresh Christmas tree and water it frequently. Place the tree in a stand that will not tip over and keep the tree away from heat sources and exits.
• Keep burning candles away from decorations and other material that can catch fire. Do not leave children unattended in a room with lighted candles.
• Never leave the stove unattended while cooking, and turn pot handles inward on the stove and out of children's reach.
• Make sure the fireplace flue is open before starting a fire, and never burn wrappings or a Christmas tree in the fireplace.
• Have at least one working smoke alarm on each level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

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