Farmers, others can start applying April 1 to sell electricity

JACKSON, Mich., March 19, 2014 -- Consumers Energy is developing renewable energy supplies for the future with a new program in which it will buy electricity produced by anaerobic digesters.

"Michigan residents expect us to generate power in new ways to reflect changes in technology. Our development of this pilot program will help us see how well we can develop energy from activity on our state's farms and other facilities," said Timothy Sparks, Consumers Energy's vice president of energy supply operations.

Anaerobic digesters generate electricity from biodegradable material. The process could be used by agricultural operations, wastewater treatment facilities, and food producers who are interested in learning about turning waste into renewable energy. In November, the company co-hosted an informational forum on the subject with Michigan State University.

Consumers Energy expects to buy 2.4 megawatts of electric capacity from anaerobic digesters selected through this program. It is open to only the company's electric customers. Applications will be accepted April 1 through June 2.

An informational session for this program will take place at 2 p.m. April 8 at the Henry Center, 3535 Forest Road, Lansing. The session will be webcast for those unable to attend. Or learn more at www.ConsumersEnergy.com/EARP.

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.

Learn more

MORE DETAIL: See more about the workings of anaerobic digesters: www.americanbiogascouncil.org/biogas_howSystemsWork.asp

More renewable energy

SOLAR SELECTIONS: Consumers Energy has selected 19 solar-powered projects offered by Michigan homeowners to supply renewable energy. Projects in 12 counties – Calhoun, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lenawee, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo and Ottawa – were selected.

UPCOMING: An informational session about Consumers Energy's residential solar program will start at 6 p.m. April 8 at the Henry Center, 3535 Forest Road, Lansing. This event is open to the public and will be webcast.

Electric customers, renewable energy installers and anyone interested in customer-installed solar generating systems can attend. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/EARP.

For more information regarding Consumers Energy, go to: www.ConsumersEnergy.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan