Consumers Energy's Free Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Help Fulfill Customers' Increased Interest, Demand

Utility's Ten Planned Charging Stations to Ease Transition to Plug-in Electric Vehicle Ownership, Meet Increased Demand for Access to Plug-in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

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Consumers Energy

Jul 15, 2011, 10:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., July 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy officials today joined federal, state and City of Jackson leaders at the utility's Jackson headquarters to announce the availability of ten plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) charging stations located statewide.

The PEV charging stations are free and accessible to the public, and are currently installed at the utility's Jackson headquarters; at its Parnall Road Office Complex in Jackson County; at its Grand Rapids, Lansing and Royal Oak service centers; and on Lake Drive in Grand Rapids' East Hills neighborhood. An installation is also planned for Consumers Energy's Kalamazoo service center.

Consumers Energy officials say the PEV charging stations are meant to ease the transition to PEV ownership and accommodate increased customer demand for PEVs and PEV infrastructure.

"As interest in and demand for PEVs continues to increase, the availability of Consumers Energy PEV charging stations is the latest in a variety of initiatives designed to ensure our customers have access to the infrastructure they need to be plug-in ready," said Sue Swan, Consumers Energy vice president of smart grid development.

The availability of four PEV charging stations within the City of Jackson's Francis Street parking garage broadens Consumers Energy's longstanding partnership with the municipality.

Larry Shaffer, City Manager of Jackson, said, "The City of Jackson is delighted to participate with its friend and partner, Consumers Energy, to install plug-in stations for electric vehicles at the Francis Street Parking Structure. The City joins Consumers Energy in promoting this environmentally responsible enhancement for electric vehicles."

Consumers Energy offers its customers a variety of special PEV rates and incentives. Approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) – which also sponsored at PEV Task Force in which Consumers Energy participated – these rates and incentives include time-of-use rates for PEV charging and reduced rates for charging during off-peak hours. Consumers Energy's PEV incentive program includes a $2,500 reimbursement to help cover the purchase, installation and required home wiring of a 240-volt in-home charging station for faster charging. More details on the incentive program – available for up to 2,500 customers – as well as Consumers Energy's PEV rate options, a "get plug-in ready" checklist, frequently asked questions and PEV program contact information can be found at www.consumersenergy.com/pev.

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.

SOURCE Consumers Energy