After complaints of high bills, Consumers Energy explains distribution charges

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) - If your electric bills seems to keep increasing in price, you aren’t alone.

Many residents bills go up in the summer due to running the air conditioning and peak hours, but some Consumers Energy customers are wondering why they’re seeing a significant increase in charges not for the actual energy they’re using.

TV5 has taken calls and emails from viewers, and social media has been flooded with posts from customers wondering why their bills have a significant charge under distribution.

On the bills, distribution is listed under other charges. Many customers tell TV5 each month the charge seems to increase.

For one customer in August, they were billed about $141 for energy, but then another $100 for distribution.

“Distribution charge is just part of the different charges that go into your bill and it is something that is based on the cost of us to deliver the energy to you,” said Matt Johnson, a media relations specialist for the energy company. “So that cost does also fluctuate based on how much energy you use. So if you are using more energy the cost for us to deliver that energy to you is also going to go up.”

Johnson did share some tips on how customers can bring down the distribution charge.

“Getting a home energy analysis, getting someone to come look at your home and say ‘hey are you wasting energy’. Is electricity going out your windows or doors? Do you have smart thermostat, something you can set up to set your temperature a little higher when you aren’t home?” Johnson said. “Closing your blinds during the day so not as much sun or heat gets in. Thinking about doing your dishes and laundry after 7 p.m. In the summer from 2 to 7 p.m. the rate you pay for electricity is slightly higher, about 6 cents kilowatt higher than you pay for the rest of the day.”

Johnson also said customers can sign up for Consumer’s budget plan, where you can pay a flat rate throughout the year.

DTE Energy also charges customers a distribution charge.

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