For Release: 06/30/2009

Explanation of the Michigan Energy Efficiency Charge

Beginning July 1, 2009, Michigan Gas Utilities customers will begin seeing a Michigan Energy Efficiency Charge on their monthly billing statement. The money collected will be used to fund the Michigan Energy Efficiency Program. "This charge and associated programs are a result of the Michigan Act 295 of 2008," said Paul Livernois spokesman for Michigan Gas Utilities. "This act requires that all Michigan utilities collect a fee from customers, which will fund energy efficiency programs."

To fund this program, a small Michigan Energy Efficiency Charge will be added to a customer's monthly bill. For residential customers, the charge will be based on the monthly energy use. An average residential customer will contribute approximately $1.24 per month, or roughly $15.00 per year. Non-residential customers will be charged on a per meter basis. Small Commercial customers will see a $3.82 per month, per meter charge, and large Commercial customers will see a $77.09 per month, per meter charge on their monthly bill.

The funds collected from this charge will be submitted to a third-party independent state administrator that will develop and implement the Energy Efficiency Program. Once the program is in place, customers can begin taking advantage of the programs, which will be designed to help limit energy use and help customers manage their bill. If you have questions or would like to find more information on the Energy Efficiency Program, please call Michigan Gas Utilities at 800-401-6402 or visit our Web site at www.michigangasutilites.com

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