Consumers Energy Unveils 20-Year Plan with Mix of Renewables and Natural Gas

Consumers Energy has unveiled a 20-year plan to deliver reliable and affordable energy for Michigan. The company's Energy Supply Plan includes a mix of natural gas, solar, wind, and storage resources. According to Chris Fultz, Consumers Energy's senior vice president of electric supply, 'Michiganders count on us to power their lives 24/7/365.'

The plan features two new natural gas plants at existing industrial sites in Bay and Genesee counties, totaling 1.4 gigawatts. The Karn Energy Center near Bay City will generate more than 450 megawatts, while the Thetford Township site in Genesee County will produce over 900 megawatts.

The plan aims to minimize land impacts by repurposing existing industrial sites and replacing two retiring plants. Consumers Energy expects the new plants to provide a reliability foundation for continuing renewable energy investments, delivering fast-starting power when customers need it most.

The company is also committing to adding more than 19 gigawatts of solar, wind, and battery storage resources by 2040. This will help meet Michigan's clean energy law targets while keeping costs rising less than the rate of inflation at 3%.