Proposal Expands Programs and Lowers Costs for Customer
Options
JACKSON, Mich.,
Sept. 21,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy today announced
a sweeping new proposal to expand access and improve affordability
to its renewable energy offerings, building on its already
industry-leading Clean Energy Plan to eliminate coal and be carbon
neutral.
Consumers Energy plans to update its renewable offerings by
cutting costs for community solar by more than 50% and enabling
every customer to match 100% of their energy use with wind and
solar. Landlords, businesses and other individuals would also be
able to purchase renewable energy on someone else's behalf. The
company will file its plans this Friday with the Michigan Public
Service Commission (MPSC).
"Consumers Energy is committed to a clean energy future for
Michigan, and our renewable
offerings will allow our neighbors who also want to protect the
planet to join us in that mission," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president
of customer experience. "We're excited to break down barriers,
expand accessibility, drastically lower costs and provide more
options that accelerate new clean energy projects in our
state."
Highlights of Consumers Energy's customer-powered proposal:
- Affordable community solar for all – Consumers Energy
wants to help any customer use solar energy, even if they may not
be able to install rooftop solar. Our plan will allow us to cut in
half the cost of our monthly Solar Gardens subscription and build
more 100% Michigan-made community
solar fields around the state, increasing accessibility,
affordability and community engagement.
- More options for large-scale solar and wind – Consumers
Energy is seeking to remove the cap on its renewable energy
programs to move forward with wind and solar projects as quickly as
customers desire. Existing business and residential programs would
be combined, giving residential customers a second option to sign
up for renewable energy.
- Green Giving – This new initiative will allow program
subscribers to pass along clean energy benefits to others. This
would be a path for businesses, nonprofits, charitable foundations
or individuals to share program benefits with friends, family,
tenants, staff or to help low-income neighbors in need. This
offering has a dedicated focus to support those who receive this
gift to enjoy the financial and environmental benefits from wind
and solar projects that Consumers Energy develops.
"Consumers Energy is committed to providing solutions for the
communities we serve. We want to make enrolling in our solutions
accessible and affordable so all customers can benefit from our
renewable energy programs," Snyder said.
The proposal, which needs MPSC approval next year, addresses
customers' desire for Consumers Energy to develop affordable,
equitable clean energy for all. Today, Consumers Energy operates
local community solar energy projects in Cadillac, at Western Michigan University and at Grand Valley State University through its Solar
Gardens program and will match large businesses' energy use with
clean energy sources.
Consumers Energy is Michigan's
largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity
to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower
Peninsula counties.
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to
ConsumersEnergy.com.
Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumers-energy-proposes-renewable-energy-offerings-providing-greater-access-and-affordability-to-michiganders-301934377.html
SOURCE Consumers Energy