Consumers Energy says its natural gas customers can expect to pay about 8 percent less for heating costs for this winter compared to last year.  The Jackson-based subsidiary of CMS Energy says the lower cost estimate is due to the lowest fuel prices since 2003 and is based on normal weather patterns. An average residential customer of Consumers can expect to pay a typical monthly bill of about $130 this winter, down from $141 last winter.  Consumers Energy provides natural gas service to 1.7 million customers in 45 counties in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.