For Release: 04/01/2014

Michigan Gas Utilities May Accept Payment Arrangements to Keep Natural Gas Service On for Customers; No Longer Accepts Payments in the Field Arrangements must include a down payment based on amount of arrears. Customers should act soon or making arrangements may be more difficult.

Monroe, MI - Natural gas customers of Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) who have fallen behind on their natural gas bills and not made apparent attempts to catch up will soon face disconnection of service, according to company representatives. In addition, for safety and security reasons, MGU field technicians will not accept payment at the customer's premise.

"Those customers that have made efforts to pay over the winter or have worked out a payment arrangement with us shouldn't be concerned,said Nick Krzeminski, MGU External Affairs Manager. "However, customers who have neglected to make significant payments during the winter and who expect the company to give them additional time to bring their account current could face disconnection. MGU disconnected service to about 6,000 customers in 2013

Krzeminski said that those customers with past-due balances should immediately take steps to pay the bill in full or set up a payment arrangement. Customers may call customer service at (800) 401-6402 to use the interactive voice response system, or visit the company website,www.michigangasutilities.com, to make a payment or set up arrangements.

Low-income customers should also contact local agencies for assistance before those funds are depleted. Doing so could postpone disconnection. The names of the agencies and their telephone numbers can be found on Michigan Gas Utilities' web site, calling the customer service line, or dialing 211.

"Customers will find we offer options for payment; but the larger the balance, the larger those payments need to be,Krzeminski said. "If there are extenuating circumstances that can be documented, we need to know about them.

Regarding no longer accepting payments in the field, Krzeminski noted that other Michigan utilities had discontinued the practice. "It's safer for our people not to be carrying payments made by customers to avoid a disconnection. Customers who face that situation are notified days in advance and they should make payment or arrangements well before the last minute.

Very few customers actually forestalled a disconnection by making payment at the time it was scheduled. In addition the customer had to pay a $15 fee to make the payment. Krzeminski said there are several options for customers that are less expensive and provide greater security including contacting the MGU call center (800-401-6402), paying online through MGU's website or making a payment at an authorized Western Union pay agent (fees vary). If customers pay online or through a pay agent, the call center must be contacted with the confirmation number to cancel the scheduled disconnection order.

"It really is best for customers to contact us well ahead of any potential disconnection activity,Krzeminski said. "We'll have a much better chance to make an arrangement that can keep the customer's natural gas service on.

  • Nick Krzeminski
    Manager - External Affairs
    517-278-3531
  • Media Hotline
    800-977-2250
distributed by