Consumers Energy is set to close its final two company-operated payment service centers in Flint and Saginaw at the end of November, marking the end of in-person bill payments at these locations. This decision comes as the company observes a significant shift towards digital payment methods, with spokesperson Brian Wheeler noting that in-person payments have declined sharply over the past decade.
Currently, both centers see about 6,000 customers monthly, half of what they attracted ten years ago. While the main offices will remain operational, the direct payment offices will shut down, a trend that began with the closure of other service centers across Michigan over the past few years.
Wheeler acknowledged customer dissatisfaction with these changes, emphasizing the company’s efforts to prepare and inform them ahead of the November 30 closure. After this date, customers can still make payments via mail, phone, online, or at designated retail locations such as Meijer and Walmart, with a total of 19 retail options available near Flint and seven near Saginaw. A list of these retail payment locations can be found at midmichigannow.com.
This closure reflects a broader trend accelerated by the pandemic, where more customers have opted for online bill payments instead of traditional in-person methods.
