Consumer Energy want $ 32.6 Million for “Cash for Clunker” appliance program, as CMS reports $415 million profit

The Grand Rapids Press  03/06/12  Tarryl Jackson

“Consumer Energy requests recovery of $32.6 million in revenue”

http://www.mlive.com/business/jackson-lansing/index.ssf/2012/03/consumers_energys_request_to_r.html

Consumers Energy’s request to recover $32.6 million in electric revenue is a way to reward the Jackson-based utility for promoting energy efficiency to its customers.

Consumers filed an application with the Michigan Public Service Commission last week to recover the money for the period of December 2010 through November 2011 as a result of a pilot revenue decoupling mechanism.

In this case, the decoupling mechanism allows Consumers to recover some of the lost revenue associated with promoting energy-efficiency programs, MPSC spokeswoman Judy Palnau said.

The utility launched its energy-efficiency programs in July 2009 in accordance with the state’s energy-reform law, which mandates that 10 percent of Consumers’ energy come from Michigan-based renewable sources by 2015.

Consumers Energy reported that it provided $6.3 million to commercial and industrial customers through its Business Solutions program, which is part of Consumers Energy’s energy-efficiency program.

Since the programs were launched, an average residential customer participating in the programs has saved about $160.

Here is an article on the Programs:

The Grand Rapids Press   07/16/09  Sven Gustafson

“New energy efficiency programs in Michigan offer rebates, incentives to entice customers”

http://blog.mlive.com/svengustafson/2009/07/new_energy_efficiency_programs.html

DTE Energy Co. and Consumers are rolling out their energy optimization programs and enlisting contractors through a series of trade fairs with the Michigan Public Service Commission, including one today in Grand Rapids and another July 23 in Lansing.

The initiatives are the result of a package of energy reform bills signed last fall by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Under the law, electric utilities must demonstrate lower electricity sales to customers, starting with 0.3 percent this year and rising each year through 2015.

DTE and Consumers, the state's largest electric utilities, began implementing surcharges last month to customers to cover the costs of the programs. Each utility is also offering rebates and incentives to customers who elect to install weatherization technology; DTE is offering a maximum $1,500 for residential customers who also get heat through its MichCon subsidiary.

Terry Mierzwa, manager of marketing, energy efficiency and research for Jackson-based Consumers said, he estimates the utility's rebates can reduce the premium of purchasing more efficient HVAC, compact fluorescent lights or other equipment by as much as 50 percent. Federal and state tax credits can help further cushion the financial blow.

Gee… Lookie

 The Grand Rapids Press  07/28/09 Jeff Kart

“Consumers Energy puts a bounty on old refrigerators, introduces efficiency measures”

http://www.mlive.com/mudpuppy/index.ssf/2009/07/consumers_energy_puts_a_bounty.html

The incentives include a $30 bounty on and free pick-up for old refrigerators.

With other federal incentives, including "Rebates for Refrigerators" it may be time to upgrade.

The Consumers program, funded by a surcharge on rates, also includes discounts on compact fluorescent light bulbs at participating retailers and rebates for buying high-efficiency appliances, such as air conditioners, furnaces and water heaters.

Common Sense Review

So the “Cash for Clunker” the appliance version is not paying off.  Gee, who didn’t see this coming?  

However, the program was supposed to be paid by the surcharge on rates, Fed & state grants and now Consumers Energy says they need $32.6 million to pay for promoting the program.

Feb 23, 2012, the Grand Rapids Press reported that CMS, Consumers Energy mother corp. had a profit of $ 415 million for the year 2011. What is Consumers Energy now the little orphan Oliver begging for more?

I think the tax payers have paid enough…