JACKSON, Mich., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers Energy is asking its 1.8 million electric customers to reduce their power use until the end of the heat wave now affecting Michigan and the rest of the Midwest. The high temperatures and steamy humidity pushed the customer demand for electricity to record levels across the region, including on Consumers Energy's system. Customer demand for power on the utility's system reached an all-time record high of 8,790 megawatts from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. today. That eclipsed the previous record of 8,474 megawatts set on Aug. 3, 2005. The heat wave and heavy air conditioning demand is expected to continue in Michigan until Thursday, when cooler temperatures are forecast to arrive. Until then, Consumers Energy is asking its electric customers to reduce their power use to help maintain the stability of the electric system. Consumers Energy asks customers to take the following steps: * Raise the temperature setting on air conditioning thermostats by several degrees. A setting of 78 degrees provides comfort and energy efficiency. * Use the clothes washer, clothes dryer, dishwasher, electric oven, and any other high-consumption electric appliances early in the morning or after 8 p.m. * Open the refrigerator or freezer as little as possible. * Turn off all unnecessary lights and non-essential appliances during the day. * Close off air ducts to rooms which are not used. Close window curtains and drapes to reduce solar heating. * If you have a well pump, don't water lawns. Additional tips on reducing electricity use are available at a "Beat the Heat" banner on the Consumers Energy's website: http://www.consumersenergy.com/. Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. DATASOURCE: Consumers Energy CONTACT: Jeff Holyfield, +1-517-788-2394, Dan Bishop, +1-517-788-2395, or Terry DeDoes, +1-517-374-2159, all of Consumers Energy Web site: http://www.consumersenergy.com/ Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/203850.html

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