LANSING — Today, Consumers Energy announced its plan to completely eliminate its use of coal for electricity generation and reduce its carbon emissions by 2040 and to increase its renewable energy from 11 percent today to 43 percent in the same timeframe. In response, state House Democratic Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) issued the following statement:
“Consumers Energy’s new plan to expand renewable energy and greatly reduce energy waste is an exciting step in the right direction for Michigan ratepayers. Having championed legislation in the past that required utilities to reduce energy waste by 2 percent each year, I am excited to see Consumers aim to exceed this goal — a move that will lower energy costs and result in cleaner air for all of us. I believe that Consumers Energy’s decision to end their reliance on coal through competitively bid renewable energy and an aggressive energy efficiency program will help guide statewide energy policy for years to come.”