Direct Energy Offers Cold Weather Tips for Michiganders, New Fixed Rate Lower Than Consumers Energy's Variable Rate

Energy provider could help residents stay warm and save money

Lansing, MI (November 11, 2013) - The cold months are quickly approaching and many Michiganders will begin seeking warmth. With that, Direct Energy announces its rate for natural gas for the upcoming winter season. Specifically, Direct Energy is offering Michigan residents in the Consumers Energy utility territory with a low, fixed natural gas supply rate of $4.55* per MCF for a full 12 months.

 

To find relief from the cold, many residents will be turning on their furnaces and turning up the thermostat. Unfortunately, this often results in higher energy bills. Direct Energy offers the following tips for keeping energy usage down this winter:

• Furnace maintenance - Cleaning or replacing furnace filters every three months can save as much as five percent off of heating bills. If the furnace is 17 years or older, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace that could save as much as $565 per year on heating costs.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat - Constantly changing the temperature in the house is making the HVAC system work overtime. Turning the thermostat down a mere two degrees can save 4% on energy bills. To keep warm, consider using blankets, sweaters and quilts.
• Sealing leaks - Up to 20 percent of the heating and cooling costs in a home can be lost through poorly fitted windows and doors. Caulking and weather stripping around existing openings or installing new energy-efficient windows can save homeowners as much as $150 a year on their energy bills.
• Have you looked in your attic recently? - Especially with an older home, look into the attic and confirm how much insulation it has. If it is at or below the top of the ceiling joists in the attic, have it topped up with blown-in insulation.

Direct Energy has made a series of videos to help consumers really start thinking about their energy usage. They star ?Doris the Green Granny,? a loveable and determined energy-efficiency champion. The series consists of four videos, to be released weekly, and the first is up now. Visit www.youtube.com/user/TheDirectEnergy to watch and learn more.

To become a Direct Energy customer, residents can contact Direct Energy's Customer Service Department toll free at: 1-855-331-0024, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Residents can also enroll online at www.directenergy.com. Direct Energy encourages potential new participants that are under contract with another supplier to review their contracts for early termination provisions prior to enrolling.

*All rates are exclusive of utility charges and taxes.

Contact:
Julie Hendry
Direct Energy
1-412-925-6773
Julie.Hendry@directenergy.com