JACKSON, Mich., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy's average residential natural gas customer is paying a bill about 20 percent less than last year due to lower gas prices and unseasonably warm temperatures in Michigan.

An average residential gas customer will pay a bill of about $112 this month, for usage during December. Typically an average residential gas customer would pay a bill of about $140 this time of year. Consumers Energy provides natural gas service to 1.7 million customers in 45 counties in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Consumers Energy recommends that customers save additional money by making their homes more energy efficient. Information on incentives and rebates for gas and electric customers through the utility's energy efficiency programs is available at www.consumersenergy.com

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit us at www.consumersenergy.com

SOURCE Consumers Energy