Consumers Energy has reached several major milestones in its $1.2 billion-plus wind generation development plan in Michigan.
The utility has secured easements for nearly 60,000 acres to date for wind farm development on Michigan's west side in Mason County, and on the state's east side in Tuscola and Huron counties. The wind farms will be owned and operated by Consumers Energy.
The wind farm in Mason County will be called the Lake Winds Energy Park. It will have a capacity of 100 MW. The park is scheduled for commercial operation in 2012.
The wind farm expected to be located in Tuscola County and Huron County will be called the Cross Winds Energy Park. It is scheduled for commercial operation in two phases in 2015 and 2017.
As part of the development of the Lake Winds Energy Park, Consumers Energy has issued a request for proposal to five pre-selected manufacturers of wind turbine generators.
Consumers Energy is the largest supplier of renewable energy in Michigan. More than 4% of the power that Consumers Energy supplies to customers comes from renewable sources based in the state.
Wind generation is a major part of Consumers Energy's Balanced Energy Initiative. Under that plan, by the end of 2017, Consumers Energy expects to own or purchase an additional 900 MW of Michigan-based renewable energy.
SOURCE: Consumer's Energy
