Consumers Energy Develops Community Solar Program to Power Michigan with New Renewable Energy Sources

Public Can Participate in Solar Gardens; Facilities Planned for Next Year

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Jun 24, 2015, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., June 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy today announced plans to move forward with a new community solar program, called Solar Gardens, that will develop renewable energy sources with help from Michigan residents.

"We are actively taking steps to take care of the environment and are excited to launch Solar Gardens," said Tim Sparks, Consumers Energy's vice president for energy supply operations. "We're developing renewable energy that will continue to help our state stay green for generations to come and provide our customers access to solar energy."

Through Solar Gardens, Consumers Energy could develop up to 10 megawatts of solar energy at locations in the Michigan communities it serves. The first locations could be selected this summer and could be producing electricity next year.

Consumers Energy customers can voluntarily participate in the program. Learn more at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/solargardens.

Consumers Energy representatives also will be providing information about Solar Gardens at the Michigan Renewable Energy Fair hosted by the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association on Friday and Saturday at the Ingham County Fairgrounds. For more information, go to www.2glrea.org/energyfair.

Consumers Energy has been active in developing renewable energy sources in Michigan. Last year, the company reached its target of generating 10 percent of its electricity from renewable sources – such as wind, solar and biomass – a year ahead of schedule. That includes two wind farms, one near Lake Michigan and one in the Thumb, and contracts to buy electricity generated by wind, landfill gas, anaerobic digestion, hydroelectric generation, and solar panels from more than 300 homes and businesses.

Consumers Energy also was recognized as a leader in sustainability last year, being ranked among the top 15 energy providers in the world for sustainable environmental, social and economic practices.

"We know that many people are interested in developing new sources of renewable energy, and we are pleased to provide Solar Gardens as a voluntary opportunity to meet that demand," Sparks said.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Media Toolkit

SOLAR GARDENS: Learn more about Consumers Energy's community solar program: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/solargardens

SUSTAINABILITY: Consumers Energy is among the world's most sustainable energy providers: https://www.consumersenergy.com/News.aspx?id=7466&year=2014

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

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This news release contains "forward-looking statements." The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause Consumers Energy's results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk and other factors detailed from time to time in Consumers Energy's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

SOURCE Consumers Energy