Franklin Energy and Consumers Energy Support Small Businesses During COVID-19 with Virtual Energy Coaching

PORT WASHINGTON -

Franklin Energy, a leading provider in energy efficiency and grid optimization solutions, announced today that they will implement Consumers Energy's Small Business Virtual Energy Coaching Service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This Michigan-wide offering to natural gas, electric and combination small business customers provides a complimentary virtual energy-coaching service to help small businesses find ways to benefit from a reduction in their utility costs, both now during COVID-19 and into the future. To be eligible for the program, small businesses must have electric usage at or below 1,200,000 kWh annually and gas usage at or below 15,000 MCF annually.

"By developing lasting customer relationships and delivering consistent solutions through conversation, the Energy Coaching Program offers the next level of support for small business customers," said Hollie Whitmire, Franklin Energy program manager. "Energy coaching is suitable for all small businesses, but it's ideal for businesses that are new to energy efficiency or for those that have had low engagement with energy efficiency offerings in years past."

Through a series of three calls, eligible small businesses can speak with an energy coach to help them connect to the right program offering available through Consumers Energy's energy efficiency programs for businesses. From answering questions to reviewing energy usage, conducting assessments, identifying savings opportunities, and more, the energy coach is available to help small businesses put money back into their pocket now, when it matters most.

"Consumers Energy is committed to helping Michigan's small business community prosper, now more than ever," said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience. "We are excited to work with Franklin Energy to develop an innovative solution for our small business customers. The Virtual Energy Coaching Service lets us engage our customers in a safe and effective manner and has the potential to last even past the COVID-19 pandemic."