How Consumers Energy compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Consumers Energy, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Zeeland | 10.12 | 6,037 | -8.98 | -$970 |
| City of Holland | 11.68 | 26,608 | -7.43 | -$803 |
| City of Traverse City | 12.70 | 9,161 | -6.41 | -$692 |
| City of Sturgis | 14.71 | 6,117 | -4.40 | -$475 |
| City of Grand Haven | 14.74 | 13,231 | -4.36 | -$471 |
| Coldwater Board of Public Util | 14.86 | 6,393 | -4.25 | -$458 |
| City of Bay City | 15.35 | 18,028 | -3.76 | -$406 |
| Cherryland Electric Coop Inc | 16.36 | 35,100 | -2.75 | -$297 |
| Indiana Michigan Power Co | 17.00 | 112,600 | -2.10 | -$227 |
| Alpena Power Co | 17.43 | 13,763 | -1.68 | -$182 |
| Tri-County Electric Coop | 18.04 | 23,034 | -1.07 | -$115 |
| Consumers Energy Co (this page) | 19.11 | 1,657,843 | — | — |
16 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Consumers Energy. Showing the 11 cheapest. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Consumers Energy customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, while the supply portion is separately shoppable in Michigan (see below).
Where Consumers Energy customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Consumers Energy premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arenac | City of Zeeland | 10.12 | +$970 |
| Calhoun | City of Zeeland | 10.12 | +$970 |
| Gladwin | City of Zeeland | 10.12 | +$970 |
| Hillsdale | City of Zeeland | 10.12 | +$970 |
| Iosco | City of Zeeland | 10.12 | +$970 |
| Ogemaw | City of Zeeland | 10.12 | +$970 |
| Ottawa | City of Zeeland | 10.12 | +$970 |
| Roscommon | City of Zeeland | 10.12 | +$970 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. In Michigan you can shop the supply portion regardless of county. Showing the 8 highest-premium counties of 60 served.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 18.82 | 19.11 | +1.5% |
| Residential customers | 1,652,141 | 1,657,843 | +0.3% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Statewide context: Michigan electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Consumers Energy bill
Michigan has residential electric supply choice: Consumers Energy delivers the power and bills a default supply rate, but you may buy the supply portion from a licensed competitor instead. Compare offers against the price to compare on the state's official shopping site: michigan.gov/mpsc.
Electric choice capped at 10% of each utility's load (waitlist). Gas Customer Choice (DTE, Consumers, SEMCO) uncapped.
Counties served (MI, EIA-861 2024)
Alcona · Allegan · Antrim · Arenac · Barry · Bay · Benzie · Branch · Calhoun · Charlevoix · Cheboygan · Clare · Clinton · Crawford · Eaton · Emmet · Genesee · Gladwin · Grand Traverse · Gratiot · Hillsdale · Ingham · Ionia · Iosco · Isabella · Jackson · Kalamazoo · Kalkaska · Kent · Lake · Lapeer · Leelanau · Lenawee · Livingston · Manistee · Mason · Mecosta · Midland · Missaukee · Monroe · Montcalm · Montmorency · Muskegon · Newaygo · Oakland · Oceana · Ogemaw · Osceola · Oscoda · Otsego · Ottawa · Presque Isle · Roscommon · Saginaw · Shiawassee · St Joseph · Tuscola · Van Buren · Washtenaw · Wexford
Head-to-head comparisons
- DTE Electric Company vs Consumers Energy Co
- Consumers Energy Co vs Great Lakes Energy Coop
- Consumers Energy Co vs Indiana Michigan Power Co
- Consumers Energy Co vs City of Lansing
Questions people ask
- Is Consumers Energy Co more expensive than other Michigan utilities?
- Consumers Energy Co customers paid an average 19.11 cents/kWh in 2024 — 1% below the Michigan volume-weighted average of 19.37 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Consumers Energy Co?
- You cannot switch the wires company — distribution territory is fixed by address. Michigan does allow supply choice, so you can buy the supply portion of the bill from a licensed competitor via michigan.gov/mpsc if its offer beats the price to compare.
- How many customers does Consumers Energy Co have?
- 1,657,843 residential customers in Michigan in 2024 across 60 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.