GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers Energy's
"Green Generation" program officially kicked off today at a news conference at
the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. The program
encourages the utility's 1.8 million electric customers to support the
development of Michigan-based renewable energy projects by enrolling in the
program.
Michigan Public Service Commission Chairman, J. Peter Lark joined Grand
Rapids Mayor George Heartwell and John G. Russell, Consumers Energy's
president and chief operating officer, in signing up for the program.
"Every customer who participates in the Green Generation program will make
Michigan less dependent on traditional fossil fuels that produce emissions and
in the case of natural gas, are increasingly in short supply," said Lark.
"The result will be improved electric reliability, a cleaner environment, and
more jobs for Michigan."
Under the Green Generation program, Consumers Energy's electric customers
have the opportunity to support the development of renewable energy projects
by paying a small premium on their monthly bill. Customers who voluntarily
enroll in the program have the option of paying $2.50 for a "GreenBlock" of
150 kilowatt-hours, or by matching 100 percent of their monthly use for a
premium of less than two cents per kilowatt-hour.
"We've been working with the Michigan Public Service Commission to
identify sound ways to offer our customers an opportunity to support the
expansion of renewable energy. The Commission's approval of our Resource
Conservation Plan and the Green Generation program are important steps in this
process," said Russell.
"Consumers Energy has a historic commitment to renewable sources. Five
percent of our current electric supply comes from renewable sources, which we
consider part of a balanced energy portfolio. We're glad that our customers
now have an opportunity to support Michigan-based renewable energy projects,"
said Russell.
Russell noted that the Green Generation program funding comes from
$5 million in annual savings from the MPSC-approved Resource Conservation
Plan, a nickel per meter monthly charge previously approved by the MPSC, as
well as premiums paid by customers who enroll in the program. He noted the
premium is necessary because electricity from renewable sources costs more
than electricity from traditional power sources, such as coal or nuclear.
The utility has arranged supply contracts with seven new independent
renewable energy projects, representing approximately 238,000 megawatt-hours
of electric capacity, enough to serve an estimated 30,000 customers.
Approximately 75 percent of the electric capacity from the new projects is
from wind generation, the remaining 25 percent capacity is from landfill gas
facilities. All of the projects will be located in Michigan's Lower
Peninsula.
"A green environmental and economic future for Grand Rapids depends on
securing a consistent, affordable supply of electricity from renewable
resource generation. That's why my wife, Susan, and I are joining Consumers
Energy's Green Generation program. We urge you to join us in making our
community a model for sustainability," said Grand Rapids Mayor George
Heartwell.
Consumers Energy's electric customers will receive information about the
Green Generation program in their October bills. Customers can enroll in the
program on the utility's website at http://www.consumersenergy.com/green .
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural
gas and electricity to more than six million of the state's 10 million
residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at
http://www.consumersenergy.com
SOURCE Consumers Energy
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Related links:
http://www.consumersenergy.com
http://www.consumersenergy.com/green
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/203850.html
CONTACT:
Jeff Holyfield, +1-517-788-2394, Dan Bishop,
+1-517-788-2395, or Timothy J. Pietryga, +1-616-530-4364, all of
Consumers Energy
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