Consumers Energy's New PEV Site Gets Customers Ready

Consumers Energy customers eager to join the ranks of plug-in electric vehicle owners will find information they need to conveniently charge the PEVs at their home on the utility's Web site.

PEV rate information, incentives, frequently asked questions and a "Get Plug-in Ready" checklist are available at www.consumersenergy.com/pev.

The new site provides details behnd Consumers Energy's PEV at-home charging rates and the tools needed for PEV owners to make the transition to electric-vehicle ownership. The rates, recently approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, take effect Nov. 1.

"Michigan, as the automotive capital of the world, will play a key role in the growth of plug-in electric vehicles," said Sue Swan, Consumers Energy vice president of smart grid development. "Our PEV website provides a convenient, one-stop location for customers needing information to be plug-in ready."

Consumers Energy is ready to meet the needs of new PEV owners as the cars arrive at dealer showrooms this fall.  Automotive companies will direct customers who reside in Consumers Energy's electric service territory to the PEV website for at-home charging information.

The website features six different areas, covering items ranging from PEV basics to details of the Company's "time-of-use" pricing program for charging PEVs.

Consumers Energy's PEV rate program includes a $2,500 incentive toward the installation of an in-home station for faster charging. Details on the incentive program, available for up to 2,500 customers, can be found on the Web site.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

More at www.consumersenergy.com.

(c) 2010, WWJ Newsradio 950. All rights reserved.