Consumers Energy Expanding Community Solar Program with 30-Acre Solar Project in Jackson County

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy plans to break ground on Blackman Solar, a new 30-acre community solar array in Jackson County, Michigan, in spring 2025. The project, approved by Blackman Township, will generate electricity by the end of 2025 as part of the company's Solar Gardens program. Blackman Solar will include nearly 5,000 solar panels, generating up to 2.5 megawatts of renewable electricity for 2,500 future Solar Gardens customers.

This project will be Consumers Energy's fourth owned and operated community solar facility, expanding their MI Sunrise program for income-qualified customers. The company is committed to Michigan's clean energy future, planning to close its final three coal-burning units next summer and aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2040. Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million residents across Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Positive

• Expansion of community solar program with new 30-acre project
• Generation of 2.5 megawatts of renewable electricity for 2,500 customers
• Expansion of income-qualified Solar Gardens program (MI Sunrise)
• Progress towards carbon-neutral goal by 2040
• Closing of final three coal-burning units by summer 2025

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

-1.10%

1 alert

-1.10% News Effect

On the day this news was published, CMS declined 1.10%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

JACKSON, Mich., Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy plans to break ground next spring on Blackman Solar, a new 30-acre community solar array in its home Jackson County that will provide local clean energy to customers through its Solar Gardens program.

Consumers Energy this week received approval from Blackman Township for the community solar project, which is slated to start generating electricity by the end of 2025.

"Blackman Solar is a great example of a partnership with a community to develop a project that delivers reliable, clean energy as well as local tax and economic benefits," said David Hicks. Consumers Energy's vice president of renewable energy development. "We're grateful for the reception we've received from Blackman Township leaders and are excited to continue developing solar projects like this on our path to a carbon-neutral electric grid."

Blackman Solar will generate power for Consumers Energy's Solar Gardens community solar program, in which customers choose to support new solar projects without having to own solar arrays.

The new community solar facility will be the fourth that Consumers Energy owns and operates, joining other Solar Gardens projects in Cadillac, at Western Michigan University and at Grand Valley State University. Blackman Solar will include nearly 5,000 solar panels and will generate up to 2.5 megawatts of renewable electricity for 2,500 future Solar Gardens customers.

Blackman Solar also will provide new capacity to expand Consumers Energy's income-qualified Solar Gardens program MI Sunrise. MI Sunrise is an efficient, easy, cost-effective way for municipalities, nonprofits and tribal governments to deploy federal grant dollars, providing access to clean, reliable renewable energy and measurable financial benefits to offset energy bills.

"Blackman Solar will help meet increased demand for community solar and offers shared solar infrastructure, accessibility and inclusivity, as well as financial and environmental benefits for all customers," Hicks said.

Consumers Energy is committed to Michigan's clean energy future. The energy provider is closing its final three coal-burning units next summer, one of the nation's most aggressive timetables. The company is developing solar projects as part of its Clean Energy Plan to be carbon-neutral by 2040.

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source in 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

When will Consumers Energy (CMS) begin construction on the Blackman Solar project?

Consumers Energy plans to break ground on the Blackman Solar project in spring 2025.

How many customers will the Blackman Solar project serve for Consumers Energy (CMS)?

The Blackman Solar project is expected to generate renewable electricity for 2,500 future Solar Gardens customers of Consumers Energy.

What is Consumers Energy's (CMS) target for achieving carbon neutrality?

Consumers Energy aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040 as part of its Clean Energy Plan.

How many solar panels will the Blackman Solar project include for Consumers Energy (CMS)?

The Blackman Solar project will include nearly 5,000 solar panels.