Real Estate & Utility Land Use
Where Consumers Energy Facilities May Be Located
Public Right of Way
This refers to an area of land where the public has the right to travel or pass. This may include public roads or streets as well as the areas that are right next to them.
Utility Easement
This refers to a legal property right held by a utility. Easements allow the utility to use a property for a specific purpose. For example, installing, maintaining, or accessing power lines or gas pipelines.
Consumers Energy Owned Property
This refers to property owned by the utility. While Consumers Energy is a public utility, this does not mean our property can be used by the public. Written permission must be obtained from our Real Estate department to use or enter Consumers Energy owned property.
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General Do’s and Don’ts
Temporary or Permanent Structures
Constructing buildings or other structures above, below or within a ‘no build’ area around a facility without our approval can be dangerous and illegal. Prior to constructing or placing any sort of building or structure on a Consumers Energy easement, contact us to see if it would be a compatible use and for written approval.
Examples of structures that are not permitted:
- Sheds or storage buildings
- Gazebos or pergolas
- Coops or greenhouses
- Playground equipment
- Above-ground pools
- Fencing
Grade Change
Grade changes, adding or removing of soils or materials, within the easement area can interfere with operations and damage facilities. As a result, such work often requires our written approval and for us to be on site when the work is being done. Always call MISS DIG 811 before doing any digging.
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Trees & Power Lines
Trees are the main cause of electric outages. In addition, trees and vegetation may limit our ability to access and maintain our facilities. While we may allow some trees to stay, they are the main cause of power outages. Trees near gas lines can attract lightning, which is a hazard, and their roots can damage underground infrastructure. Furthermore, trees can block our emergency and repair vehicles, causing restoration or service delays.
More About Trees & Power LinesConsumers Energy Owned Property
An Overview
Consumers Energy owned property is used to deliver safe and reliable energy throughout Michigan. Many of our neighbors think that because we are a public utility, our land is public. This is not true. Our land is private property and not open to public use.
We may allow our neighbors and communities to use our property when the purpose aligns with our current and planned uses, and written permission is provided.
Examples of some acceptable uses may include lawn and garden, agriculture, municipal parks and trails. The following, however, are never considered acceptable uses and are strictly prohibited on our property: structures, hunting, camping, fires, pools, or the use of ATVs unless it's a State of Michigan sanctioned trail that is operating under agreement with Consumers.
If you would like to request a license agreement to use our property or would like to report prohibited use or concerns, please contact 866-679-4054 or email landcontracts@cmsenergy.com.
Easement Requests on Consumers Energy Owned Property
When permanent rights are needed, for example a crossing for a driveway on our property, an easement request can be made. Requests can be made by calling 888-912-3025 or emailing POBoxConsumersRealEstateInquiries@cmsenergy.com. While we try to partner with our neighbors, we may not be able to meet every request.
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Buying Utility Owned Property
As of right now, we are not selling property. Sometimes, we may sell property that we no longer need that would be listed here. If you need more information on a property listed for sale, please contact us at 888-912-3025 or by email RESalesInquiries@cmsenergy.com.
Email UsProhibited Activities on Utility Owned Property
Land Use
When it comes to Consumers Energy owned property, there are specific activities that are strictly prohibited. Taking part in these activities can lead to safety hazards and potential legal consequences. No one should be on our property without our permission. Going onto the property without permission is trespassing. Trespassing may result in the involvement of police and potential prosecution.
Hunting
Consumers Energy owned property is not hunting grounds, as firearms pose a threat to the public, our employees and infrastructure.
Structures
Structures like sheds, fences, and berms can impact our ability to access and maintain the infrastructure. Therefore, they are not permitted.
Riding ATVs or Snowmobiles
These activities can damage the terrain, damage infrastructure and disrupt maintenance of utility lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
We do not provide copies of easements. However, many of Consumers Energy’s easements are publicly recorded. You can get a copy from your county’s Register of Deeds.
To have your request considered, please contact 866-679-4054 or email landcontracts@cmsenergy.com to inquire.
Yes, but the easement is a property right owned by Consumers Energy. This means you might have restrictions on the use of your land and this might limit your ability to make improvements, build or place structures, and/or make grade changes within the easement area without our written consent. Further, as a property right owned by Consumers Energy, you may not stop or interfere with Consumers Energy’s access to and operation and maintenance of its facilities.
Contact 888-912-3025 or email POBoxConsumersRealEstateInquiries@cmsenergy.com to state your request. It will be reviewed by one of our experts.
We are currently not selling any property.
Please submit an inquiry in our Contact Us form.
Please call 866-679-4054 or email landcontracts@cmsenergy.com. Be sure to provide us with as much detail as possible.
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Questions?
At times, you may be contacted by one of our representatives about real estate activities. For your security and comfort, anyone who represents Consumers Energy will have a picture ID badge with their name on it. If you have concerns about the person contacting you, please call 800-760-2395 any time night or day to confirm their identity.