JACKSON, MI, January 23, 2026,

With temperatures plunging below zero today and through the weekend, Consumers Energy is reminding the public of important safety tips. If you need more information or want to schedule an interview, please call our 24/7 media relations hotline at 800-557-4625.

Heating Safety: 

Heating your home should be done in a safe manner. Avoid catastrophic events, including fire and carbon monoxide leaks by following these tips: 

• If you buy an electric space heater, make sure it has the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. 

• Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions to properly use and maintain a space heater. 

• Keep the heater away from flammable materials, including clothing, curtains, drapes and bedspreads. 

• Keep the heater away from water and never touch it when you’re wet. 

• Always unplug the heater before you go to bed or leave home. 

• Don’t use or store flammable paints, chemicals, gasoline, and aerosol sprays near your heater. The vapors could ignite and cause a fire. 

• Don’t use a space heater if the cord is frayed or damaged. 

• Never use a space heater in place of your home heating system. 

• Never use your stove or oven to heat your home. 

Severe Weather:  

Cold temperatures can produce ice, causing a strain on power lines and tree limbs that could lead to a power outage. In this case, follow these tips to stay safe: 

• Charge all electronic devices. It’s advised to have an emergency battery or charging station available for use during an outage. 

• Have an emergency kit that includes flashlights and extra batteries, water, canned food and blankets. Be prepared with enough medication, baby supplies and pet food if applicable. A battery-operated radio is also a good idea. 

• Unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers and printers. Turn power strips off. 

• Do not use generators in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas.  

Additional Tips:   

• Install a carbon monoxide monitor on every level of your home. Be sure to check the batteries. If it goes off, leave the home and dial 9-1-1 

• Should you lose heat in your home, utilize a warming center in your area. Locate a center by visiting https://mi211.org/ and entering your ZIP code 

• If you need to be outdoors, layer your clothing to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Cover exposed skin as much as possible with a hat, gloves and a scarf.  

• Bring all pets indoors. The cold temperatures could be harmful to your four-legged friends 
  
  

Jan, 21, 2026 – As winter temperatures fall across Michigan, Consumers Energy customers are seeing something different from national headlines: lower natural gas prices. Through smart planning and Michigan’s extensive underground storage system, Consumers Energy is keeping energy costs within reach for customers across the state.

By purchasing natural gas during the summer when prices are lowest and storing it for winter use, Consumers Energy delivers meaningful savings to customers. As a result, residential natural gas rates are 28% below the national average. Consumers Energy also does not profit from the cost of gas – passing on savings directly to our customers.

“Families are facing real pressure from rising costs – groceries, housing, healthcare and more – energy shouldn’t add to that burden,” said LeeRoy Wells, senior vice president and president of gas delivery. “No one should have to choose between heating their home and buying groceries. That’s why we work year-round to keep costs down – and why we’re ready to help connect customers with real savings and solutions.”

To further support Michigan families during extreme cold weather, Consumers Energy is doing more than working to keep costs down – we’re also here to help when customers need additional support.

Last week, Consumers Energy announced a $5 million investment to help customers and communities across Michigan access bill assistance through trusted local community partners. If you’re worried about your bill, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Consumers Energy is here to support our customers and walk through options designed to keep energy costs within reach.

Customers can act today by visiting: ConsumersEnergy.com/assistance

“Keeping energy within reach means planning ahead, passing savings on, and showing up for customers when it matters most,” Wells added. That’s the work Consumers Energy delivers everyday – and you can count on us to deliver for Michigan.