A new renewable energy facility has begun producing electricity in Michigan, marking another milestone in Consumers Energy’s Green Generation program.
Gas Recovery Systems (GRS), part of the Fortistar Renewables Group of Lockport, New York, developed and brought on-line a landfill gas facility located near the C&C Landfill in Convis Township, north of Marshall. The facility can produce 2.5 megawatts of electricity. It works by capturing methane gas naturally produced during the decomposition process and then using it to generate electricity. GRS also has a separate landfill gas facility at the same site that began selling electricity to Consumers Energy in 1995. That facility can generate 2.7 megawatts of electricity.
“We’ve found Michigan to be a ‘green-friendly’ state,” said Paul Hesson, Director of Development for GRS. “Working with local officials in Convis Township and with utility and state officials demonstrated to us that Michigan is working with renewable energy suppliers.”
The GRS facility joins other new landfill gas renewable energy facilities supporting the Green Generation program. Those facilities are located near Lennon, Whitehall and Zeeland. In addition, Consumers Energy purchases electricity which is generated by two wind turbines located near Mackinaw City for the program. Consumers Energy also has entered into contracts with other wind-generation projects that are in various stages of development. All of the projects are located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
“We’re pleased to welcome GRS as a supplier to our Green Generation program. Mutually beneficial relationships with our renewable energy supply partners are key to the success of our growing Green Generation program,” said Steve Stubleski, Consumers Energy’s Green Generation program manager.
The Green Generation program offers Consumers Energy’s electric customers an opportunity to support renewable energy by voluntarily enrolling in the program and paying a small premium. Participation options range from purchasing a “green block” of power for as little as $2.50 per month, to matching current monthly usage for approximately $12-$14 per month. Information on the Green Generation program is available at www.greengeneration.com.
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
Media Contacts: Dan Bishop, 517-788-2395, or Jeff Holyfield, 517-788-2394 |
