JACKSON – Consumers Energy has selected 31 solar powered projects offered by businesses, homeowners and nonprofit groups across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to supply renewable energy to customers.
The suppliers were chosen as part of the company’s Experimental Advanced Renewable Program . The program provides for the long-term purchase of renewable energy generated by solar energy systems owned by electric customers.
“Consumers Energy is working to develop energy supply plans for the future, and that includes adding solar energy to our balanced approach,” said Timothy Sparks, Consumers Energy’s vice president of energy supply operations. “These newest projects speak to that work, joining contracts for more than 200 customer-owned solar projects that we have in place.”
Fifteen non-residential customer projects in nine counties were selected during the program’s most recent phase. The projects, ranging in size from 5 to 150 kilowatts, will provide 663 kilowatts of electric capacity.
Sixteen residential customer projects in 12 counties ? Barry, Clare, Clinton, Eaton, Gladwin, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Livingston, Midland, Ottawa and Shiawassee — also were selected. The projects, ranging in size from 2 to 18 kilowatts, will provide 177 kilowatts of electric capacity.
The next phase of the EARP will open Jan. 2, 2014, for residential customers. Applications will be available at www.consumersenergy.com/EARP after Jan. 2. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Feb. 5, 2014 to be considered.
Non-residential solar projects selected by Consumers Energy include:
Allegan U Stor Corp II, Allegan County
Alma Housing Commission, Gratiot County
Almond Products Inc., Ottawa County (2)
Benchley Brothers, Isabella County
Davenport University, Kent County
Edgewood Village Non-profit Housing Corp., Ingham County
Eldean Co., Ottawa County
Gold Coast Outfitters LLC, Ottawa County
High Point Electric, Kent County
J. Ranck Electric, Genesee County
One Stop Shop, Jackson County
River Ridge Dairy Co. Inc., Ottawa County
Roskam Baking Co., Kent County
Space Studios LLC, Midland County
Upcoming meeting
Consumers Energy will host an information session about the EARP from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 8, 2014, at the Burnham Brook Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave, Battle Creek. This event is open to the public.
Electric customers, renewable energy installers and anyone interested in customer-installed solar generating systems are encouraged to attend. To RSVP or for more information about the program, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/EARP.
