Michigan Utility Company Shutters 7 Coal-Fired Power Plants, Begins Operating New Community Solar Project

April 30th, 2016 by James Ayre

The Michigan utility company Consumers Energy recently finished the process of shutting down 7 regional coal-fired power plants, and, at the same time, beginning operations at a new community solar energy project in the area.

The new 3 megawatt (MW) solar energy project is located on a 17-acre site at Grand Valley State University, and is apparently now the largest community solar project in the state. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to supply 600 area households.

“The first location in our Solar Gardens program demonstrates our commitment to building a sustainable future for Michigan,” stated Dan Malone, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president of energy resources. “We are pleased to work with Grand Valley State University to develop a new source of renewable energy that will help power homes and businesses.”

There’s now a second project under construction at Western Michigan University, that’s currently expected to open later this summer, reportedly. The company is also considering a third project in the Lansing area, reportedly.

“Solar Gardens is part of our commitment to ensure that future generations in Michigan have affordable, reliable and increasingly clean energy,” Malone continued.

Those interested in enrolling in the program, or just interested in finding out more, can do so here.

Image by Consumers Energy (some rights reserved)









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