Royal Treatment

Okemos couple grateful for energy efficiency help

Nearly six years ago, Kathy and Bill Greenwood put a plan in motion to downsize by building a new home.

They considered locations throughout Michigan but made sure their realtor knew they wanted Consumers Energy as their energy provider.

Today, the Greenwoods, married for 42 years, are thrilled with their new condominium in Okemos — and they’re elated Consumers Energy keeps exceeding their expectations.

In early summer, an energy efficiency home analysis helped the Greenwoods save energy and money through installing a new smart thermostat, replacing 29 light bulbs with more energy efficient ones, providing five nightlights, installing a water aerator and wrapping pipes to ensure their water heater ran at full capacity.

“We really were treated like royalty,” said Bill Greenwood of the hour-long analysis. “They were very professional, enthusiastic and thorough as they went around our home. They seemed like scientists at work on an experiment.”

Clean energy future for Michigan

The Greenwoods are among thousands of customers who’ve benefited from our energy efficiency programs since their inception a decade ago.

Since launching in 2009, we have helped our residential and business customers save more than $2.5 billion through more than 250 programs, rebates, incentives and assessments.

The Greenwoods were most impressed with the energy efficiency team’s willingness to clearly explain what they were doing.

“That helped us feel comfortable,” said Kathy Greenwood. “We always wondered why most people don’t take advantage of the energy efficiency analysis.

“Why wouldn’t you? The audit and energy-reducing products supplied are all free.”

Spreading the word

Energy efficiency programs are a key component in our Clean Energy Plan to meet customers’ needs with 90 percent clean energy resources by 2040.

The Greenwoods want to help spread the word to friends and family.

“We are letting everyone know who is willing to listen,” Bill Greenwood said with a smile. “This is a great program that more people really need to know more about.”

To learn more about how energy efficiency programs can help your home and business, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/myhome.