News Release

CONSUMERS ENERGY FOUNDATION AWARDS $750 IN VOLUNTEER GRANTS TO TWO ORGANIZATIONS IN ROSCOMMON COUNTY

Houghton Lake, Mich. Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Consumers Energy Foundation has awarded $750 in grants to two organizations in Roscommon County to recognize outstanding volunteerism by a utility employee.

The Volunteer Investment Program grants recognize:

John S. Loiacano, customer energy specialist III at the Prudenville service center, performed 175 hours of volunteer service over the past 12 months with the Lake Township Fire Department.  He served secretary/treasurer.    A $300 grant will be used for equipment and vehicle maintenance.  Loiacano also provided 50 hours of volunteer service over the past year with the Houghton Lake Little League.  He coached a t-ball team.  A $450* grant will be used to buy equipment.

Grants marked with an (*) reflect doubled amounts through the Consumers Energy Foundation’s CEEPSACER Program.  CEEPSACER (Consumers Energy Employees Providing Service Around Children’s Essential Resources) was established as part of Consumers Energy’s commitment to America’s Promise-The Alliance for Youth.  America’s Promise works to provide every young person with the Five Promises so they will have a better chance to succeed in life.

The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy.  It provides funding to areas including education, the environment, Michigan growth and enhancement, culture and the arts, social services and emerging issues.

For more information about the Consumers Energy Foundation and its support of America’s Promise, visit our website at www.consumersenergy.com/foundation.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Media contact:   Mary A. Gust (989) 791-5871