Michigan just got a whole lot greener. Or at least it will be soon, thanks to an agreement between us and the state of Michigan to power 1,274 publicly owned government buildings exclusively with clean energy, a visible commitment by the state’s government and its largest energy provider to protect the planet.
“Consumers Energy and the State of Michigan are working together to power Michigan’s clean energy transformation,” said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s president and CEO. “This commitment will accelerate our already industry-leading Clean Energy Plan to develop carbon-free energy sources here in Michigan.”
The State of Michigan has made a 20-year agreement with us to use clean energy at state government buildings for all departments throughout the Lower Peninsula, including state police, DNR offices and general office buildings.
This commitment supports roughly 68 megawatts of emission-free renewable energy in Michigan, which is equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions produced by over 20,000 cars, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calculations.
“As governor, I am proud that the State of Michigan is leading by example to reduce greenhouse gases, protect the planet, and lower energy costs,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Today, we are proud to announce that Consumers Energy is joining BWL and DTE in an agreement with the State of Michigan to power state buildings with clean energy. This is a critical step that will help us reach the goal I proposed in 2020 to have all state buildings run on 100% clean, renewable energy by 2025. Let’s keep working together to fight climate change with common-sense steps that will lower taxpayer energy costs and ensure that state operations have the energy they need to succeed.”
Working to protect the planet is not new to us. In fact, our Clean Energy Plan has been years in the making. And last summer, we announced a sweeping proposal to end coal use by 2025 and become carbon neutral by 2040, as part of our plan. The state government’s new commitment builds on our plans, and we will meet the state’s pledge by adding new solar power plants in Michigan over the next three to four years.
The State of Michigan isn’t the only large employer going green. Earlier this year, General Motors agreed to power three Michigan plants with 100% green energy.
“Consumers Energy is able to deliver reliable and affordable energy while protecting the planet. This partnership will further support Michigan being a leader in clean energy.” Rochow said.
Our Renewable Energy Program provides businesses a flexible, turnkey solution to use solar and wind energy to achieve their sustainability goals and protect the planet for future generations. Their enrollment not only advances greening Michigan’s grid, but also supports Michigan jobs created through building and operating renewable energy projects. Join the movement by contacting us at GreenPower@cmsenergy.com.
