Consumers Energy Commits to Increase Spending With Michigan Suppliers by $250 Million Over 5 Years; Supports State's New Pure Michigan Business Connect Initiative

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Jun 02, 2011, 03:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is supporting Michigan by increasing its spending with suppliers in the state by $250 million over the next 5 years.

The utility's commitment to increase spending in Michigan follows the launch earlier today by Governor Rick Snyder of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's new Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative. The new initiative includes participation by the State of Michigan, Consumers Energy and other Michigan companies.

"Consumers Energy is pleased to announce that we'll be spending $50 million more each year, for a total of $250 million over 5 years, with small and medium-sized Michigan companies," said John G. Russell, Consumers Energy's president and chief executive officer. "Working together, we can attract and expand business opportunities for Michigan companies. We expect the Pure Michigan Business Connect initiative to help Michigan's economic recovery."

"This increased spending in Michigan will further Consumers Energy's goals of providing our customers with higher value through reliable, clean energy at affordable prices," noted Russell.

The commitment to increase spending with Michigan companies is in addition to the annual $2 billion currently spent in the state by Consumers Energy. Consumers Energy, which celebrates its 125th anniversary later this year, is one of the very largest investors in Michigan.

To implement the new purchasing policy, Consumers Energy has revised its purchasing strategy and will be working with state-based supply chain directors and business organizations on this initiative.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

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

SOURCE Consumers Energy