Recent Updates

Consumers Energy is launching a yearlong effort in Grand Rapids, Mich., to demonstrate sustainable energy solutions and present new tools to help customers better manage their energy usage.

The SmartStreet program will introduce customers to new “smart” technology and highlight the company’s existing energy efficiency programs.

SmartStreet, which kicks off with a Dec. 3 media event, will showcase a two-block area of Grand Rapids and allow 60 residential and business customers in the city’s East Hills neighborhood to participate in the program.

“Participating customers will receive smart meters and be able to track their energy usage in near real-time through a website or via in-home displays,” said Sue Swan, Consumers Energy’s vice president for Smart Grid development.

SmartStreet will include the use of Energy Optimization programs-HVAC, energy efficient lighting and home weatherization along with energy audits for participating customers. It also will feature demonstrations of solar power generation and charging stations for plug-in electric vehicles.

The Consumers Energy Foundation has awarded a $10,000 grant to support the Boy Scouts of America Gerald R. Ford Council’s “Building for Youth” capital campaign.

The grant supports funding efforts for the council’s new Centennial Dining Lodge at Camp Gerber. 

“The Gerald R. Ford Council is very grateful for the continued support that the Consumers Energy Foundation has given to the scouts of our communities throughout the years,” said Suzie Blake, the council’s finance director.

 "This support has been both financial as well the time and talents of Consumers Energy employees who serve as scouting volunteers.”

In the past, the foundation has provided more than $90,000 to support the council. Part of that funding includes a $15,000 grant to support the development of the council’s headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich., and 145 Volunteer Investment Program grants recognizing volunteer service by more than 50 utility employees and retirees.

“As a long-time volunteer at Camp Gerber and district camping committee chairman for the Boy Scouts, I am delighted that the Consumers Energy Foundation is supporting youth development through this grant,” said Bill Eckert, a senior human resources consultant lead at Consumers Energy’s Cobb plant in Muskegon, Mich.

The foundation provides funding for community and civic development programs. These grants focus on the welfare of communities and support projects with long-term benefits.

The Consumers Energy Foundation annual report is now available. Titled “Someone Cares,” the report highlights the work of the Consumers Energy Foundation, the company, its employees and retirees in 2009 to improve the communities we serve.

Last year, through grants to nonprofit organizations statewide, the company, its foundation, employees and retirees invested $3.3 million in our communities. Together, we donated $1.8 million to 55 local United Way organizations in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Plus, the foundation awarded $211,000 in grants to 411 nonprofit groups on behalf of our employee and retiree volunteers, and more than $115,000 in matching funds to 36 higher educational institutions, 21 community foundations, and 43 food banks and pantries.

Last month, more than 25 Consumers Energy employee volunteers visited Michigan schools to spread the word that Consumers Energy is a good place to work and start a career.

As part of the Consumers Energy on Campus program, volunteers visited Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Western Michigan University, Michigan Technological University, Wayne State University and Delta College.

They also visited middle schools and high schools in Alma, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Lansing, Muskegon, Oak Park, Kalamazoo and Saginaw as part of the company’s program, which educates students about energy safety, career opportunities, affordable and reliable energy and energy efficiency.

It targets students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and math classes. More than 3,000 students received information about Consumers Energy on Campus.

“Investing in youth now pays off years later,” said Mattie McKinney, Consumers Energy’s corporate diversity director. “We’re teaching students about our company and industry, so that we can attract them as employees in the future and have better relationships with them when they become our customers.”

Consumers Energy has tapped the world’s largest wind turbine manufacturer to supply the turbine generators for its first wind farm.

The company recently contracted with Vestas-American Wind Technology Inc., to build, deliver and commission 56 turbines for the Lake Winds Energy Park in Mason County.

The 100-megawatt project — scheduled to begin operating in late 2012 — is a key step in the company’s $900 million plan to add 350 megawatts of company-owned wind generation capacity to its balanced energy portfolio.

The competitively bid contract requires approval from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).

“Securing this agreement is a major milestone in the development of our first wind energy park and continues our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said president and chief executive officer John Russell.

Consumers Energy selected Vestas’ V100-1.8 megawatt turbine, which is designed to better harvest wind blowing at lower speeds. The turbines stand nearly 500 feet tall, from the base of the tower to the tip of the rotor blade in an upright position.

Vestas is scheduled to begin delivering the turbines in May 2012.

This week, Consumers Energy’s Karn/Weadock Generating Complex will receive a special certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council.

The two-year certification recognizes the fossil-fuel plant’s commitment to environmental education, community outreach and stewardship as part of the council’s "Corporate Lands for Learning Program."

The program encourages companies to adopt and implement environmental education and conservation programs for employees, students and community members.

Located in Essexville, Mich., Karn/Weadock is the second fossil-fuel plant to receive this certification at Consumers Energy. The company’s Campbell plant in West Olive, Mich., also holds this distinction.

"We do more than just generate electricity. Our 2,400-acre site serves as an excellent environmental learning laboratory with its natural trails, raptor rehabilitation center, butterfly garden, eagle nesting platform and falcon nesting boxes," said Barb Parker, Karn/Weadock manager of generation portfolio system owner development and recruitment. "This certification will help our plant expand and promote our programs to neighboring schools, colleges, scout troops and community organizations."

With its new certification, Karn/Weadock plans to offer additional site tours, collaborate with the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business and Education Partnership on community outreach programs, and work with local scout troops.

Consumers Energy expects to be among the first customers in Michigan to own a Chevrolet Volt.

The company plans to buy two of the extended range plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) – one in March and one in April – about the time General Motors Co. will release the vehicle to dealerships in Michigan.

Consumers Energy and other electric utilities will provide the "fuel" for PEVs, which proponents say will help cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on foreign oil and provide thousands of new "green" jobs

"We’re very excited about finally seeing the rollout," said Scott Weber, Consumers Energy’s director of fleet services. "We’ve been anticipating this for some time, and now we’re getting to the point where we begin to see it happening."

The company has installed one PEV charging station at its Jackson, Mich. service center and plans to install two more in a parking structure at its One Energy Plaza headquarters, also in Jackson.