Feb 1 2010
With the securing of easements for about 60,000 acres till date, Consumers Energy is moving forward with its development plan for wind energy in Michigan with total investments of more than $1.2 billion. The easements were secured in the state’s east side in Huron and Tuscola counties and west side in Mason County. Consumers Energy will own and operate the wind farms.
The wind farm to be developed in Mason County, Lake Winds Energy Park, will be capable of generating 100 MW and is planned for commercial operation in 2012. Cross Winds Energy Park, the wind farm that is anticipated to come up in Huron County and Tuscola County, is planned for commercial operations in 2015 and 2017 in two phases. Tuscola and Huron counties are among the areas assigned by Michigan Public Service Commission as the state’s main wind resources zone. The other wind energy resources zone includes Sanilac, Bay, and Saginaw counties.
A request for proposal has been issued by Consumers Energy to five pre-selected wind turbine manufacturers as part of the Lake Winds Energy Park development plan. Linda Hilbert, Consumers Energy's manager of renewable energy, said the company was delighted to have achieved these important milestones to advance its wind generation development plans.
In Michigan, Consumers Energy supplies more than 4% of power to its customers from renewable energy sources, making it the largest supplier of energy from renewable sources in the state. By the end of 2017, the company aims to purchase or own an additional 900 MW of renewable energy in Michigan under its Balanced Energy Initiative.
The Balanced Energy Initiative is an important part of the Consumers Energy’s strategy that necessitates investments in the utility of more than $6 billion during the next five years. The huge investments earmarked for include renewable energy, new power generation, customer service and environmental enhancements.
Source: http://www.consumersenergy.com