Utility Forecasts Continued Decline in Choice Customers

As part of a newly filed rate case with the Michigan PSC, Michigan Gas Utilities Corporation forecasts a continued decline in choice customers.

"[A]lthough overall sales within the MGUC service territory are expected to decline in 2016 from 2014 levels, GCR sales are expected to increase. From 2008 to 2013, the annual average number of Choice customers had been increasing, peaking at over 31,000 customers in 2013. Beginning in late 2013, the customers began migrating back to GCR service. In 2014, the number of Choice customers had decreased to just under 26,000 customers," the utility said.

"The Company is forecasting that this trend will continue into 2016 with the number of Choice customers dropping to just under 20,000 customers," MGUC said.

"The Customer Choice customer forecast for both Residential and Small General Service was based on actual average growth rates of Choice customers between September 2013 and September 2014. This average growth rate for Residential Customer Choice was about -0.83%, while Small General Service Customer Choice was about -1.09%% [sic]," MGUC said.