How Do I Get an Extension on My Bill with Consumers Energy?
If you struggle to pay your bills, log into your Customer Dashboard to set up a payment plan. You will need to make a downpayment to become eligible and make sure you meet the all of the terms of the arrangement. Otherwise, service will be interrupted. In addition, account holders with payment arrangements in progress may not be approved of the payment plan.
There are many reasons why people run into financial difficulty. If you're struggling to pay your bills, Consumers Energy does provide payment arrangements. However, you must be aware of these conditions:
- Should you decide to make a payment arrangement, you will have to make a down payment and pay the balance in installments.
- Make sure you meet the terms of your payment arrangement. Otherwise, your service may be interrupted.
- Consumers Energy may not approve a payment arrangement if there is one in progress and you failed to keep the terms of the previous agreement.
- You give up the right to contact a Utility Hearing Officer if you go into a payment arrangement with Consumers Energy.
To set up a payment plan, you will need to log into your Customer Dashboard and follow the provided instructions.
In the event that an extension or a payment arrangement is not possible, contact Consumers Energy for additional payment plans and assistance.
Consumers Energy Payment Plans and Assistance
You can also explore these payment plans if you're behind on your bill.
The Care Program
If you need help managing your bill, the CARE program can help by giving you fixed and affordable monthly rates. As a reward, any past due balances are gradually forgiven.
As a member, you may also enjoy no-cost energy efficiency upgrades to lower your energy costs.
To qualify for the CARE program, you will need to meet the criteria below:
- Must get an energy-related SER from DHHS to become eligible
- Balance must be less than $4000
- You or your spouse must be an active account holder
- No record of theft or fraud on the account
Enrollment for the CARE plan is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Apply for State Emergency Relief if you are past due and need immediate assistance.
The Budget Plan
You can avoid higher bills during peak times with the company's Budget Plan. Only those with a balance of less than $75 are eligible for this payment assistance plan. However, make sure you haven't defaulted more than twice on your previous year's payments.
How the budget plan works:
Consumers Energy will add a year's worth of your energy bills, add a weather factor and divide the sum by 12 for your monthly bill. They will compare actual energy consumption with your payment every four months and make the necessary adjustments.
Contact Customer Support if you have further questions about their payment arrangement.
Further questions?
Solutions to similar problems
Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for Consumers Energy Company Problems?
GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like Consumers Energy Company in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our How Do I Get an Extension on My Bill with Consumers Energy? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.