Saving Energy, Money - and Lives

Home energy efficiency test pays off for Swartz Creek couple

It isn’t often when a simple makeover becomes a life-changing event.

But that’s the case for David and Karen Simon, who won a $5,000 makeover from our Energy Efficiency program in a 2018 drawing.

They could not have guessed their good fortune.

David Simon had suffered severe headaches for months and was shocked to learn the source. The free analysis of his Swartz Creek home revealed a carbon monoxide leak was discovered from an old stove that was immediately replaced.

“We were very lucky,” Karen Simon said. “Who knows what would’ve happened if we didn’t win this makeover? We would be using that same stove. This was an amazing, life-changing experience. I am so grateful.”

A key part of Michigan’s energy future

The Simons are among thousands of customers who’ve benefitted from energy efficiency programs over the past decade. Since launching in 2009, we have helped our residential and business customers save more than $2 billion through more than 250 programs, rebates, incentives and assessments.

Energy efficiency programs — which help customers save money through lighting improvements, energy assessments as well as incentives and rebates — are a key component in our Clean Energy Plan to meet customers’ needs with 90 percent clean energy resources by 2040. They may even help save lives along the way.

“I would rather find out about the leaks the way we did than at a hospital,” said David Simon, who no longer experiences headaches. “We were blessed to have Consumer Energy in our lives.”

Going above and beyond for customers

The couple, married nearly 40 years, also had a microwave replaced and were provided with new insulation throughout their home as a result of the home energy makeover.

“You could tell the difference,” said Karen Simon. “It was a lot warmer in our home during the winter. It’s been really great for us.”

She won’t forget the kindness provided by the Energy Efficiency team.

“They were very professional and caring,” she said. “I am glad that we won the makeover and had the chance to meet them. They went above and beyond what they had to do. I really think they saved our lives.”

To learn more about how energy efficiency programs can help you, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/myhome. Business customers can learn more at ConsumersEnergy.com/myhome.