THE STORY

Consumers Energy’s business energy efficiency portfolio has been recognized nationally for 14 consecutive years. A significant contributor to that success is its small business program—one of the utility’s most critical offerings given that small businesses make up most of its customer base. Franklin Energy acts as the program implementer, in partnership with program administrator DNV, and Consumers Energy. 

THE GOAL

Consumers Energy needed a solution that could effectively engage hard-to-reach small business owners, from family-run shops to manufacturers and public buildings. To be successful, the program had to deliver:

1. Trade Ally Network: Franklin Energy manages 40 program-approved contractors who complete more than 1,100 projects each year, providing over $5 million in incentives. These efforts generate more than 28,000 MWh of electricity savings for small businesses across Michigan.
2. Direct Install & Assessments: To improve customer satisfaction in underserved counties, Franklin Energy conducts more than 10,000 on-site visits annually. This hands-on approach saves more than 80,000 Mcf of natural gas and installs over 11,000 smart thermostats each year, while creating stronger program awareness and satisfaction.
3. SmartCommerce: Franklin Energy operates an online marketplace for small business customers that attracted nearly 167,000 visits in its first three years. In the first year of implementation, the platform delivered more than 3 million kWh and 43,000 Mcf in savings.

Together, these pathways provide Consumers Energy with a proven, scalable model to engage its small business customers, exceed savings goals, and build trusted relationships across diverse communities.