Sturgis-Coldwater News

Jeff Mayes, executive director for Business Customer Care at Consumers Energy, spoke with Jeffrey Mosher on the Michigan Business Network podcast about the sponsorship of Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses and the commitment his organization has to small businesses in the state that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayes, based in Bay City with headquarters in Jackson, said Consumers Energy sponsored the Michigan Celebrates Small Business event. The event gave the organization the ability to remind small businesses that they're being supported and looked after during the pandemic. Consumers Energy has also been sponsoring the event for several years now.

"We certainly know that small business is foundational to our economy," Mayes said in the podcast. "To be a part of this event again this year is very exciting for us to recognize these very innovative, growing, entrepreneurial-type businesses that are across Michigan. Really, again, supporting our economy and doing it at a time when it's challenging."

Everyone is struggling with the coronavirus pandemic, but small businesses have felt the brunt of the impacts. 

The event gave the state the opportunity to celebrate and recognize these businesses and everything they are doing to make it through the current situation, and Business Customer Care for Consumers Energy wanted to make sure they were a part of the event, especially given that small businesses are the backbone of the nation's economy. 

"It's really who we are as a utility, wanting to make sure we're there for our customers and being able to support their growth and success." Mayes said on the podcast.

Not only is Consumers Energy supporting its customers and small businesses during these times, but they are keeping up with the fluid situation this year has experienced. 

"All of our customers, many are definitely struggling under the impacts of COVID, particularly our small businesses," Mayes told Mosher. "And so we've done a lot as a company. One, first and foremost, we want our customers to contact us if they're having trouble paying their utility bill."

Customers can contact the company for immediate help, and Consumers Energy will work out the bill with them or help them find resources for financial help, whether that be state or federal relief. 

For assistance, customers can call the utility company at 800-805-0490 and create a payment plan that fits their needs. More information can be found at Consumers Energy Business Solutions.