OREANDA-NEWS. December 08, 2015. Taking advantage of Consumers Energy's new automatic billing alerts allows customers to cross off at least one item from their long "to-do" list this holiday season.

"A short visit to our new Consumers Energy website allows customers to set an alert that will let them know when their new bill is ready to view and when payment is due," said

Garrick Rochow, vice president and chief customer officer. "The customer is in control, from the method of alert delivery to how they want to make their payment, even via a text message," Rochow said. "Customers asked for these additional features, and we've listened."

Residential and business customers can choose to receive their billing alerts and other notifications by email, phone call or text message by visiting ConsumersEnergy.com/alerts.     The billing alerts are one of several "two-way customer communication" initiatives the company has introduced as enhanced features on the new website.

"We know our customers are busy, especially during the holiday season," Rochow said. "Having these alerts mean no more surprises and less things to remember. The alerts and other website features will certainly improve our customers' online experience with us."

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.