For Release: 10/06/2009

Michigan Gas Utilities' Customers to Benefit from Lower Heating Costs this Winter

Monroe, MI -- Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU), a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE: TEG), says that lower natural gas prices on the market should translate into heating bills about 20% less than last year, if temperatures are normal.

"Natural gas prices started dropping last spring and that continued through the summer," said Paul Livernois External Affairs Manager. "Right now we have a great supply of natural gas that is keeping the prices that we pass along to customers lower than last year. There are no guarantees, of course, but right now it looks like a typical residential customer could pay $225 or so less than last year over the course of the winter."

As a natural gas distribution company, MGU does not profit on the natural gas commodity, passing those actual costs onto customers.

Livernois said the savings were likely as long as nothing happens to disrupt the supply of natural gas or drastically increase demand for it, like hurricanes in producing areas or lengthy bitter cold snaps.

Energy Conservation Reduces Bills Even With Lower Prices
Energy conservation is the primary way to reduce energy use and bills. The company's Web site, www.michigangasutilities.com, provides tips and ideas to increase energy efficiency at little or no cost. "There is still plenty of time to weatherproof your home for the upcoming heating season," Livernois added.

Despite the expectation for lower bills, MGU is especially concerned about low-income customers and urges them to apply for energy assistance as soon as it becomes available. Those funds are usually limited and are exhausted quickly. MGU would also like to remind its customers about the winter protection plan which protects eligible senior and low-income customers from service shut-off and high utility bill payments during the winter months.

Budget Payment Plans
MGU strongly encourages customers to consider enrolling in the budget payment plan now. In the plan, customers pay an average bill monthly as opposed to seasonal highs and lows - ensuring more stable bills and allowing customers to avoid higher bills that may be difficult to pay in winter months. Spreading natural gas payments over the year allows customers to budget more accurately for their monthly payments and avoids a large swing in bills. Customers interested in any of MGU's payment or protection plans are encouraged to call us at 800 401-6402.

Michigan Gas Utilities is a regulated natural gas subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE: TEG), serving about 167,000 customers throughout lower Michigan.

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