The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today said that the number of gas choice customers has reached an all-time high since the program became available to customers in 2001 and 2002. Gas choice is available in Michigan for customers of Consumers Energy, Michigan Consolidated Gas Company, Michigan Gas Utilities, and SEMCO Energy Gas Company.

"Natural gas customers in record numbers are availing themselves of the choice they have to become customers of an alternative gas supplier," noted MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.  "Although the MPSC does not regulate these companies' rates, it does have two helpful consumer alerts available to help natural gas customers understand the issue before signing any contract."

In October, the number of gas choice customers reached 377,955.  The previous high - 374,095 customers - was reached in September 2002.  October volumes are just shy of a record, too:  68.232 billion cubic feet.  The record for volume - 68.849 billion cubic feet - was set in February 2003.

The consumer alerts - "Natural Gas Choice is Here" and "Making an Informed Choice" - are available on the natural gas consumer alert Web site at michigan.gov/mpscalerts.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.