Consumers Energy Provides Assistance to Help Michigan's Seniors Stay Safe and Warm This Winter
Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS) announced assistance and safeguards for Michigan residents age 65 and older ahead of winter on Dec. 9, 2025.
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Rhea-AI Summary
Consumers Energy (NYSE:CMS) announced assistance and safeguards for Michigan residents age 65 and older ahead of winter on Dec. 9, 2025. Key programs include a $4 monthly electric bill credit for seniors at their primary residence, a Winter Protection Plan (enrollment Nov–Mar) that prevents winter shut-offs and high payment demands, and an 18-month Shut-Off Protection Plan available year-round for seniors. The company updated its assistance webpages and said it provided $7 million this year to help qualifying electric and gas customers. Customers can call 800-477-5050 or 2-1-1 for help and visit ConsumersEnergy.com/Assistance for details.
Details
News Market Reaction – CMS
On Dec 9, the day this news came out, CMS closed 0.13% below the previous close.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Dec 9 session.
Key Figures
- Senior bill credit
- $4 per month
- Monthly electric bill credit for eligible seniors at primary residence
- Customer assistance funding
- $7 million
- Provided in 2025 to help electric and natural gas customers with bills
- Senior eligibility age
- 65 years and older
- Threshold for senior-focused credits and protection plans
- Shut-Off Protection Plan length
- 18 months
- Protection from shut-off available to seniors age 65 and older
- Winter Protection enrollment window
- November–March
- Enrollment period for Winter Protection Plan
- Residents served
- 6.8 million
- Michigan residents receiving natural gas and/or electricity from Consumers Energy
- State population reference
- 10 million
- Total Michigan residents referenced in article
- Service counties
- 68 counties
- Lower Peninsula counties served by Consumers Energy
Historical Context
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Declared quarterly dividend on 4.200% Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock.
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Consumers Energy board set quarterly dividend on $4.50 preferred stock.
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Priced upsized $850M 3.125% convertible senior notes due 2031 to refinance debt.
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Announced proposed $750M convertible senior notes due 2031 for refinancing and general use.
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Reported stronger Q3 results and raised 2025 adjusted EPS guidance with 2026 outlook.
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
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People 65 and Older Eligible for Bill Credits, Shut-Off Protection
"Consumers Energy is committed to serving all of our customers, including ensuring that our seniors are using all resources that keep them safe and comfortable in their homes," said Brian Lewis, Consumers Energy's executive director of customer service and programs. "We hope to spread the word that Consumers Energy can help our friends and neighbors, no matter their needs."
Consumers Energy recently updated its energy assistance webpage to help customers better understand their options to help pay their energy bills. Specifically, the company offers help for people 65 and older:
- Senior citizen bill credits – Seniors can receive a
$4 - Winter Protection Plan – The plan protects people 65 and older against shut-off and high payments during the wintertime. Enrollment runs from November through March.
- Shut-Off Protection Plan – The 18-month protection from shut-off plan is available to seniors age 65 and older. Enrollment is year-round.
Consumers Energy offers assistance and connections to resources through an array of programs. Customers can learn more at ConsumersEnergy.com/Assistance. People can also learn about ways to save on their energy bills at ConsumersEnergy.com/Winter.
Consumers Energy this year has provided
Consumers Energy is
Learn more at ConsumersEnergy.com.
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