Free Energy Efficiency Upgrades from Consumers Energy to Help Michigan's Nonprofits Save $350,000 Annually

Energy Costs Reduced for More than 190 Organizations Across State

News provided by

Dec 10, 2014, 06:00 ET

JACKSON, Mich., Dec. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boys and Girls Clubs, homeless shelters, food banks and other nonprofit groups throughout Michigan will pay $350,000 less for energy next year thanks to Consumers Energy, which is providing them with energy-efficient upgrades for free.

"Michigan's nonprofit organizations are the backbone of our communities, and we want them to put every dollar possible toward helping those in need," said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer operations and quality. "We fulfill our Promise to care for the communities we serve by helping these organizations lower and manage their energy bills."

More than 190 nonprofits are receiving free installations of energy-saving items, financial incentives or free energy assessments to help them reduce their energy usage this year. Most of that work is complete, and is making an impact on such communities as Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Flint and Saginaw.

These organizations will save about $350,000 each year thanks to these upgrades, which include free LED lights, programmable thermostats, low-flow water faucets and more.

"We are grateful that Consumers Energy provided new lights for our entire building," said Thomas Bacik, president of the Jackson Community Food Pantry. "The lights make it much brighter for our volunteers and will save us money on our electrical bill. The lights have also made our building appear softer and a warmer place for volunteers to work in."

Consumers Energy and its employees are involved in charities and civic organizations throughout Michigan. Many employees serve as volunteers, giving more than 115,000 hours of community service each year. Michigan nonprofit organizations received more than $8 million in contributions last year from Consumers Energy, parent company CMS Energy, employees, retirees and its foundation.

Rochow noted that businesses and households also can lower their bills through more than 200 energy efficiency rebates and incentives that Consumers Energy offers. The company has helped Michigan save more than $575 million through energy efficiency since 2009.

"We provide solutions to energy needs, whether it's for your home, your business or the charitable organization you serve," Rochow said. "We encourage people to learn more about our energy efficiency programs online or to contact us. This holiday season – and all year long – you can count on us to help."

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Media toolkit

NONPROFITS HELPED: For the names of organizations that Consumers Energy has helped, contact Brian Wheeler: 517-788-2394.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPACT: Consumers Energy has helped Michigan homes and businesses save more than $575 million through energy efficiency. Learn more: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/save

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConsumersEnergyMichigan and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ConsumersEnergy.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/free-energy-efficiency-upgrades-from-consumers-energy-to-help-michigans-nonprofits-save-350000-annually-300007281.html

SOURCE Consumers Energy