February 13, 2002
Electric Choice brings savings to Michigan retailers
Michigan retailers can take advantage of electric deregulation to save 10 to 30 percent on their monthly electric bills through a program sponsored by the Michigan Retailers Association (MRA).
MRA's Electric Choice program enables many businesses to cut electricity costs by switching from Detroit Edison or Consumers Energy to Quest Energy, one of the alternative suppliers authorized to operate in the state's newly deregulated electric industry.
"In this tough economic climate, retailers need to reduce operating expenses any way they can," said James P. Hallan, MRA president and chief operating officer. "Cutting your business electric bill goes straight to your bottom line."
Electricity cost under Quest service is projected to be less than nine cents per kilowatt-hour. Quest takes into account usage at off-peak hours (evenings and weekends) to maximize participants' savings. Participants can lock in their low rate on a three-year contract to guard against future cost increases.
Switching to Quest usually takes six to eight weeks. The customer's original power company must install a new meter, which is connected to a phone line for remote readings.
"Joining Electric Choice involves minimal cost and effort on the part of the retailer and results in immediate savings," said Hallan.
For more information about MRA's Electric Choice program, contact Robin Gregory at 800.366.3699 or rsgregory@retailers.com.
The Michigan Retailers Association is the unified voice of retailing in Michigan and the nation's largest state trade association of general merchandise retailers. MRA's more than 5,500 retail business members operate more than 12,000 stores across the state.
