Consumers Energy Earns Statewide, National Recognition for Commitment to Sustainable Business Practices

Highlighting Commitment to Serving Michigan Communities

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Nov 30, 2015, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Nov. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy announced today that it has been ranked second in the country among energy providers for sustainable environmental, social and economic practices. The energy provider also was recognized this month as Michigan's "Best and Brightest" large sustainable company.

"We are a Michigan-based company, serving our state for nearly 130 years, and we're committed to building for Michigan's future," said Dennis Dobbs, Consumers Energy's vice president of generation engineering and services. "We're committed to conducting business safely and ethically, along with preserving the environment and sustaining our neighborhoods and communities."

Rankings from Sustainalytics, a global research firm that measures sustainable business practices for investors, place Consumers Energy second among 50 utilities that it surveyed nationwide.

This month, Consumers Energy also received honors as the best large Michigan company in the annual Best and Brightest Sustainable Businesses in Michigan awards. The awards are sponsored by the National Association for Business Resources.

The recognition comes as Consumers Energy prepares to make significant changes to deliver electricity more cleanly to Michigan residents. The company is preparing to close seven coal-fired generating units in less than five months and has been moving to incorporate more sources of renewable energy.

By the end of next year, Consumers Energy will provide electricity purchased from a new, 100-megawatt wind farm being built in Michigan's Thumb. The company also is starting a new community solar program called Solar Gardens, with two potential West Michigan locations eyed to start producing electricity next year.

The company's rankings recognize more than environmental stewardship. Consumers Energy, its charitable foundation and employees helped communities with more than $10 million in contributions to Michigan nonprofits last year and have played significant roles in United Way campaigns and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity statewide.

"Sustainability means making a commitment to the people and communities we serve, now and for the future, and it takes work by every one of our employees," Dobbs said. "We're honored to be acknowledged for our efforts and plan to continue serving our state better than ever in the future."

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

SUSTAINALYTICS: Sustainalytics is an independent research and analysis firm supporting investors worldwide to develop and implement responsible investment strategies: www.sustainalytics.com

BEST AND BRIGHTEST: Learn more about the Best and Brightest Sustainable Businesses awards: https://101bestandbrightest.com/

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

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SOURCE Consumers Energy