With Cold Weather Hitting Michigan, Consumers Energy Shares Six Tips to Stay Warm and Reduce Energy Use

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Feb 13, 2015, 03:52 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With extremely cold temperatures blanketing the state, Consumers Energy is sharing six key tips that can help Michigan residents stay safe and warm during extreme weather.

"Winter in Michigan is an unavoidable reality. Your best defense in bitter weather is to prepare early and ready yourself for the conditions," said Whitney Skeans, Consumers Energy's customer assistance manager. "By sharing your emergency plans with family and friends, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related injuries and illness."

With temperatures expected to stay well below normal through the weekend, Skeans offered tips to reduce your energy usage while still staying safe and warm:

Keep furniture, carpeting, curtains and pet hair from blocking heat registers and air return ducts.
Keep your meters clear of snow and ice. When snow and ice is allowed to build up, it can become compacted and freeze, causing damage that interferes with proper operation of meters and related appliances. Snow should be removed only by hand, never with a shovel or power snow removal equipment.
Close your attic, basement, garage and exterior doors to prevent cold drafts and keep the heat in your primary living area.
Consider setting your ceiling fans at a slow speed to push warm air away from the ceiling and move it around the room without creating a chilling breeze. This spreads the heat more evenly and will help you feel more comfortable.
If radiators are located near cold outside walls, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.
If you are experiencing any problems receiving natural gas or electricity from Consumers Energy, call us immediately at 800-477-5050.

Remember that help is available no matter what the weather brings. If you experience a weather-related emergency, call 9-1-1 or your local fire or police department immediately.

If you are struggling financially and are worried about your bill or other needs, don't wait to find support. Consumers Energy strongly encourages people to call 2-1-1 to explain their situation and learn where they can find help. Michigan 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that connects you with local community-based organizations across the state offering thousands of different programs and services for people seeking answers.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

Media toolkit

HELP IS AVAILABLE: Consumers Energy offers ways to help people with bills: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/assistance

CALL: Call 2-1-1 to learn about available programs in your community, or call Consumers Energy at 800-477-5050 if you have problems paying your bill.

VIDEO: More ways to reduce your energy use: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjPrk-wcuAw

SOURCE Consumers Energy