Electric Choice interest surgesMRA’s Electric Choice program has attracted a surge
of interest since the Association began promoting the service extensively
in January. More than 300 requests for information have been received
since the beginning of the year, according to John Mayleben, MRA’s
vice president of sales and marketing. “More and more members are beginning to reap the
benefits of electric deregulation by joining MRA’s Electric Choice
program,” said James P. Hallan, MRA president and chief operating
officer. “It’s a great way to save money with little cost or
effort.” Electric Choice allows members to reduce electricity costs
by switching from Detroit Edison or Consumers Energy to MRA’s alternative
supplier. Current participants are saving an average of 13 percent on
their business electric bills, with savings ranging from 8 to 25 percent.
MRA began an intensive campaign in January to make members
aware of this opportunity to save. “Interest has been high because members are realizing
how easy it is to cut their electric bills significantly through Electric
Choice,” said Mayleben. “For many merchants, it’s a no-brainer.” Switching to MRA’s service involves no setup cost
for most retailers. The customer’s original power company and the
alternative supplier cover the costs and provide the labor for installing
a new electric meter and connecting it to a phone line for remote readings.
Electricity cost under MRA Electric Choice is projected
to be less than nine cents per kilowatt-hour. Many members pay as little
as six cents. The program takes into account usage at off-peak hours (evenings
and weekends) to maximize savings. Participants can lock in their low rate on a three-year
contract to guard against future cost increases. To participate in Electric Choice, members must currently
be serviced by Consumers Energy or Detroit Edison. Municipal and cooperative
electric customers are not eligible. For more information about Electric Choice, including a free assessment of potential savings for your business, phone MRA’s Judy Schafer at 800.366.3699 or e-mail her at jschafer@retailers.com. |