Consumers Energy's Summer Energy Forecast: Michigan's Grid Ready to Weather the Heat

Rhea-AI Summary

Consumers Energy (CMS) has announced its readiness to meet increased energy demand during the upcoming summer season. The company's integrated energy strategy includes a diversified generation portfolio, featuring the Covert facility, Zeeland Generating Station, Jackson Generating Station, and Karn 3 and 4 combined cycle units. Strategic grid investments have resulted in reducing customers' average outage time by over 20 minutes last year.

The company maintains 24/7 grid monitoring and coordinates with MISO as part of its regional network operations. To optimize energy usage, Consumers Energy offers financial incentives for customers who shift their energy consumption to off-peak hours and participate in smart thermostat programs. As Michigan's largest energy provider, the company serves 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents across 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

Positive

• Strategic grid investments reduced customer outage time by over 20+ minutes year-over-year
• Diversified energy portfolio with multiple generating facilities ensures reliable power supply
• 24/7 grid monitoring and MISO coordination strengthens operational reliability
• Customer incentive programs help manage peak demand and reduce consumer costs

Negative

• None.

JACKSON, Mich., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures rise and energy demand increases, Consumers Energy is prepared to deliver safe, reliable and affordable power to customers across the region throughout the summer. Our integrated energy strategy—featuring a balanced mix of generation sources, preparation and customer programs—ensures that homes and businesses stay powered during peak demand periods.

"Our priority is always to keep the lights on, especially when our customers need us most," said Sri Maddipati, vice president of electric supply. "Thanks to our diversified energy portfolio and proactive grid planning, we are entering the summer season confident in our ability to provide reliable power."

Consumers Energy's forward-looking supply plan features a robust mix of flexible generation resources that continue to evolve through strategic investments, like the acquisition of the Covert facility and recent expansion of the Zeeland Generating Station. We will also continue the operation of the Jackson Generating Station and the Karn 3 and 4 combined cycle units.

"Our energy future is built on careful planning, smart investments and a flexible, reliable grid. Not only are we already seeing these investments pay off, but we'll continue to see dividends for generations to come," said Maddipati.

Strategic investments in our facilities are critical to our long-term strategy to strengthen the grid, reduce outages and prepare for the energy needs of the future as outlined in the company's Reliability Roadmap. These investments helped to reduce customers' average time without power by over 20 minutes last year.

In addition to our robust generation supply, Consumers Energy maintains ongoing grid monitoring and communications efforts. Control centers survey the grid 24/7 to respond quickly to any issue that may arise and there is daily coordination with MISO as part of a highly connected regional network featuring integrated transmission and distribution systems.

Consumers Energy rewards customers financially for shifting energy use to early morning, evening and overnight times in the summer. Customers can lower their bills even more through programs that encourage households to use smart thermostats and agree to use less energy at peak times on a few days each summer. Customer programs combined with the diversified, flexible and prepared approach allow Consumers Energy to meet Michigan's energy demand while continuing to advance.

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 knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, flexible, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.

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

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

How has Consumers Energy (CMS) improved its grid reliability for summer 2025?

Consumers Energy has improved grid reliability through strategic investments in facilities, resulting in a 20+ minute reduction in average outage time. The company maintains a diversified generation portfolio including Covert facility, Zeeland Generating Station, Jackson Generating Station, and Karn 3-4 units, along with 24/7 grid monitoring.

What customer incentives does CMS offer for reducing summer energy usage?

Consumers Energy offers financial rewards to customers who shift energy use to early morning, evening, and overnight hours. Additional savings are available through smart thermostat programs and agreements to reduce energy use during peak times on select summer days.

How many customers does Consumers Energy serve in Michigan?

Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties, providing natural gas and/or electricity services.

What generation facilities does Consumers Energy operate for summer power supply?

Consumers Energy operates multiple generation facilities including the Covert facility, Zeeland Generating Station, Jackson Generating Station, and Karn 3 and 4 combined cycle units as part of its diversified energy portfolio.