(COLDWATER) - Consumers Energy customers across Michigan will see higher electricity costs beginning today as the utility's Summer Peak Rates take effect.
Through September 30, electricity rates will increase by 50% on weekdays between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The seasonal rate structure follows a recently approved $276.6 million base rate increase affecting approximately 1.9 million Consumers Energy customers statewide.
Consumers Energy says the higher rates are designed to help manage demand and maintain grid reliability during periods of peak electricity use.
Consumers Energy is also eligible to file for another rate increase as early as June 2.
In Coldwater, the impact will vary depending on a customer's electric provider. Residents served by Consumers Energy will be subject to the higher peak-hour rates, while customers served by the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities will not be affected by the seasonal pricing change.
The CBPU has not added any new electrical premiums for the summer season.