Consumers Energy and the State of Michigan have pledged 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,” says 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.”
“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,” states Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “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 crucial step that will help us achieve the 2020 goal of having 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.”
The State of Michigan has entered into a 20-year agreement to use clean energy in state buildings throughout the Lower Peninsula.
This commitment supports roughly 68,000 MW of emissions-free renewable energy in Michigan. It is equivalent to more than 20,000 cars emitting greenhouse gases, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calculations.
Consumers Energy is committed to protecting the planet. The company has a Clean Energy Plan that will close all its coal-fired power plants by 2025, and make them carbon neutral by 2040. The state government’s new commitment builds on the energy provider’s plans, and Consumers Energy will meet the state’s pledge by adding new solar power plants in Michigan over the next three to four years.
General Motors and Consumers Energy teamed up to power three Michigan-based plants with 100% renewable energy earlier this year.
“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 adds.
Consumers Energy’s 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.
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy.