Energy gift certificates are the latest addition to some people's holiday gift lists, with at least two Midwest energy companies offering them this year.
"There are few gifts more helpful than the gift of a warm home," Doug Detterman, manager of small customer care for Michigan-based Consumers Energy said in a statement. "Buying a Gift of Energy certificate for someone in need is truly a heart-warming act this time of year. Many service clubs, charitable organizations and emergency responders, including fire departments, buy multiple Gift of Energy certificates and provide them to neighbors in need."
Consumers Energy, along with Illinois-based ComEd, are offering the certificates at local banks and credit unions, in person at payment officies, through the mail, or by phone, in denominations of $10, $25, $50 or $100. Recipients of the certificates mail them in with their utility bill and receive the amount deducted from the total bill.
During an economic downturn, more people struggle to pay home heating costs. Detterman said the lack of names on the certificates make it easier for buyers to give anonymously and "help someone in your family, your neighborhood, or your place of worship," said Detterman.
"Consumers are looking for gifts that serve practical, everyday purposes and ComEd gift certificates offer simple ways to spread holiday cheer," Val Jensen, vice president of marketing and environmental programs for ComEd told WREX-13. "It is a great way to help someone in need manage their energy bills during these tough economic times."
