Direct Energy expanding into Consumers service area in Michigan

While electricity deregulation may have been tightly capped in Michigan, the state is still seeing some growing competition, according to the MLive.com.

Direct Energy Business, the branch of the Houston-based electricity provider Direct Energy that deals with business customers, announced earlier this month that the company plans to begin offering its services in Michigan's largest service area.

The electricity supplier will now offer lower electricity rates to many business customers of massive utility company Consumers Energy.

"Michigan has a presence in competitive energy markets, with the supportive efforts of legislators and utility regulators," Mike Senff, vice president of North American sales and marketing for Direct Energy Business, said in a statement. "We are committed to providing customers across North America with competitive Energy Choices and are thrilled to be expanding our Michigan presence into the Consumers Energy territory."

Michigan put a strict limit on its electricity deregulation policy, allowing only 10 percent of power to come from alternative electricity providers. As of now Consumers Energy reports that it has more than its 2012 cap participating in the program, with nearly another 10 percent waiting to gain access to the program.