Fewer customers are paying their utility bills in person.
“The change is being driven by a change in behavior.”
That’s Consumers Energy spokesperson Brian Wheeler.
“Since COVID, we've seen reductions in foot traffic at these locations by about 50%. So, about half as many people are visiting these offices today to make payments in person.”
Wheeler adds it’s a limited impact, affecting only the payment offices in Grand Rapids and
Kalamazoo operated by Consumers.
“If you live within 10 miles of our payment office in Grand Rapids, there are 16 other locations at retail locations, such as Meijer or Walmart, and there are another seven locations within 10 miles of the Kalamazoo office.”
Customers are encouraged to make payments by mail or using Consumers website or app.
“We're trying to give people some advanced time to prepare and understand the change…We know the customers who use these offices and so we're reaching out with email as well. The idea is that by the start of July, nobody is surprised.”
Three employees and one contractor operate the two locations.
Consumers Energy will provide resources and job options for them.
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