Two New Projects in 2024 Will Power 150,000
Homes
JACKSON,
Mich., May 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers
Energy today announced agreements to add 300 megawatts of clean
energy – enough to power about 150,000 homes -- from two
Michigan solar projects being
developed in Genesee and
Hillsdale counties.
The solar developments are part of the company's Clean Energy
Plan to dramatically increase renewable energy, eliminate coal
electricity by 2025 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Both projects are being developed by Ranger Power, a utility-scale
solar development company based in Chicago.
"Providing 300 megawatts of clean energy for our customers is a
commitment to our planet, the people of Michigan and contributes to the prosperity of
communities where solar projects are sited," said Timothy Sparks, Consumers Energy's vice
president of electric grid integration. "We are pleased to reach
this agreement with a valued partner that is helping us bring to
life a vision to provide a clean energy transformation that
benefits Michiganders, both current and future generations."
Consumers Energy would purchase power from Confluence Solar in
Genesee County and Heartwood Solar
in Hillsdale County. The
agreements are being reviewed by the Michigan Public Service
Commission.
The new solar projects are each 150 megawatts and scheduled to
begin operating by year-end 2024. Ranger Power will own and operate
the sites.
"Securing power purchase agreements with Consumers Energy for
our Confluence and Heartwood Solar projects is a major milestone in
our efforts to provide clean, renewable energy to customers across
Michigan," said Paul Harris, president at Ranger Power. "We're
glad to be expanding our partnership with Consumers and continue to
be guided by a community-first approach as we complete both solar
projects."
The $200 million Confluence Solar
project is expected to create up to 250 jobs in Genesee County during construction and
generate over $25 million in new
property tax revenues over the lifetime of the project. The new tax
revenues will benefit several local taxing jurisdictions including
Genesee County, Flushing and Montrose Townships, Flushing and Montrose schools, Genesee Intermediate School
District, Mott Community College, and the local airport, library
and transportation authorities.
Ranger Power's $150 million
Heartwood Solar project will create a similar number of jobs in
Hillsdale County and generate
nearly $19 million in new property
tax revenues over the lifetime of the project. The new tax revenues
will benefit several local taxing jurisdictions, including
Hillsdale County; Allen and Fayette Townships; Jonesville Community Schools; Hillsdale
Intermediate School District; and the Jonesville District
Library.
Consumers Energy today owns and operates solar power plants in
Cadillac and on the campuses of Grand Valley
State University and Western Michigan
University. The energy provider also purchases power from
another 18 locations throughout the Lower Peninsula.
Under its Clean Energy Plan, Consumers Energy has proposed
adding 8,000 megawatts of utility-scale solar power by 2040,
including 1,100 MW by 2024. The company is using a competitive
bidding process to ensure maximum value for customers. In addition
to its environmental benefits, solar is increasingly cost
competitive and Consumers Energy can add it gradually to meet
Michigan's changing energy needs
without building a large, new fossil fuel power plant.
Consumers Energy is searching for tens of thousands of acres
throughout Michigan to identify
locations for utility-scale solar power plants. Large
landowners or community officials who want to learn more about
potential for siting, can visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/misolar to
provide basic details about their property and begin a discussion
with company solar experts.
Consumers Energy is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy
(NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8
million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower
Peninsula counties.
Check out Consumers Energy on Social
Media
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SOURCE Consumers Energy