WOOD Radio Local News

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WOOD Radio Local News

 

Grand Rapids participating in Consumers Energy Renewable Energy program

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Consumers Energy says the cities of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo have signed contracts to participate in the utility company's Renewable Energy program.

It has set a goal of having 40 percent of its energy produced by renewable resources by 2040.

In a written statement, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss says the program "aligns perfectly with the city's vision of a cleaner, more sustainable community."

Here is more information from a Consumers Energy news release:

he cities of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo are setting a new standard in sustainability by joining the Consumers Energy Renewable Energy Program (REP). This partnership represents a significant step toward achieving their ambitious climate goals and advancing their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Renewable Energy Program enables customers to match 100% of their energy use with cost-effective wind and solar power. This customer-powered clean energy effort lowers costs and helps protect the planet. 

“Consumers Energy appreciates the partnership from our two largest West Michigan municipalities by committing to this program,” said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “The leadership shown by the Cities of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo highlights the importance of our Clean Energy Plan and helps us to continue to build out more renewable energy resources like solar and wind.”  

This partnership with Consumers Energy not only supports Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids in meeting their sustainability goals but also serves as a model for other businesses and municipalities striving to embrace renewable energy and achieve sustainability goals. The program already includes 3 dozen participants including General Motors, 7/11, Walmart and the State of Michigan. In 2025, the program will expand giving residential and small business customers an option to sign up for cost-effective, utility-scale renewable energy projects.  

"By joining the Renewable Energy Program, Kalamazoo is taking a bold step forward in our mission to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint," said Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson. "This initiative reflects our commitment to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, working towards a greener future for all." 

Similarly, Grand Rapids is embracing this opportunity to make substantial progress toward its sustainability objectives.

"This commitment underscores our dedication to environmental stewardship and supports our goal of powering all municipal operations with renewable energy by 2025 and beyond," Mayor Bliss said.

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’s Clean Energy Plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source in 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting 90% of customers’ energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar.

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