Consumers Energy Plans More Solar Energy for Michigan from Project in Manistee County

Jackson, Mich. Thursday, August 26, 2021

Energy Provider is “all in” on solar, purchasing 30 additional megawatts

Consumers Energy announced today an agreement to purchase 30 megawatts of clean, renewable electricity from Heathlands Solar in Onekama. Michigan-based Prism Power Partners is developing and building the project on a former golf course.

“We are all in on solar energy and proud to team with a fellow Michigan company to create a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for our state by reusing valuable land and protecting the planet for future generations,” said Tim Sparks, vice president of electric grid integration at Consumers Energy. “We are leading the state’s clean energy transformation as we provide the affordable, reliable electricity our homes and businesses need for decades to come.”

Heathlands Solar, constructed at the site of the former Heathlands Golf Course, is scheduled to start operating by the end of 2022. The project is near existing high-voltage electric distribution infrastructure, a key factor in lowering costs to provide value for Consumers Energy customers.

The plan requires approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

"We are excited to work with Consumers Energy to increase the supply of renewable energy in Michigan," said Randall Wood, managing member of Prism. "Heathlands Solar, which represents Prism's third utility-scale solar project in the state, will provide clean, reliable energy as well as long-term economic development." 

Heathlands Solar will have a total capacity of 30 megawatts – enough to power about 15,000 homes. Under the proposed agreement, Consumers Energy would purchase the power for 20 years.

Solar energy is a major component of Consumers Energy’s Clean Energy Plan, a blueprint to eliminate coal and dramatically boost renewable energy to help achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. The plan calls for adding nearly 8,000 MW of solar, including approximately 1,100 MW through 2024. To learn more, visit ConsumersEnergy.com/change.

Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

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Media Contacts: Terry DeDoes, 517-243-9908, or Josh Paciorek, 517-243-9036