Consumers Energy Invites New Michigan-Based Renewable Energy Projects; Supports Implementation of New Energy Law

JACKSON, Mich., Jan. 29  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers Energy is inviting developers of small renewable energy projects to submit bids to supply green power to serve the utility's customers.

About five percent of the power that Consumers Energy supplies to customers today comes from Michigan-based renewable sources, including wind, biomass, hydro, landfill gas and anaerobic digestion.  The solicitation for new renewable energy is part of the utility's plan to increase its green energy supply to 10 percent by 2015 to meet the requirements of Michigan's new energy law.

Consumers Energy is seeking sources to supply 130,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually for up to 20 years.  That's enough power to supply about 15,000 residential customers.

"Consumers Energy wants to buy green power from small-scale renewable energy sources as part of our balanced energy approach to serving customers.  We expect our invitation for bids to encourage the development of new renewable energy sources, and we're pleased to work with the Michigan Public Service Commission on this effort," said John G. Russell, Consumers Energy's president and chief operating officer.  "The successful bidders will own and operate these new renewable facilities, which will supplement our traditional electric supplies."

The utility's Request for Proposal offers independent renewable energy developers long-term power supply contracts of up to 20 years.  A copy of Consumers Energy's Renewable Energy Request For Proposal can be accessed at http://www.consumersenergy.com/ and selecting tabs "For Business," "Electric Power Notices," and "Request for Proposals."

Consumers Energy expects to issue solicitations for additional energy from larger renewable energy projects later this year.

Consumers Energy also provides electric customers an opportunity to support the development of additional renewable energy sources by participating in its Green Generation program.  The Green Generation program purchases renewable energy in addition to the amount required by the new state law.  Nearly 13,000 customers are enrolled in Green Generation and have contributed to the development of approximately 250,000 megawatt-hours per year of renewable energy, including the new Michigan Wind I wind farm located near Ubly.  Customers interested in voluntarily signing up for the Green Generation program may learn more by visiting http://www.consumersenergy.com/ and selecting tabs "For Home," and "Green Generation."

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to more than six million of the state's nearly 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at http://www.consumersenergy.com/ 

DATASOURCE: Consumers Energy



CONTACT:  Jeff Holyfield, [phone], Dan Bishop, [phone],

both of Consumers Energy



Web Site:  http://www.consumersenergy.com/ 

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