Latest news with #ReliabilityRoadmap
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Underground Power Line Pilot Program Proves Highly Effective Against Recent Severe Weather
JACKSON, Mich., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Record-breaking severe weather has swept across the state during the first half of 2025. While these storms have left a path of destruction, Consumers Energy is proud to announce early successes from its underground power line pilot program. Initial data shows that areas included in the 9-mile pilot experienced fewer outages and improved overall system reliability compared to overhead-line service areas. Buried power lines are better protected from common outage causes, including lightning, high winds, tornadoes, heavy snow, ice and falling tree limbs. Launched in 2024, the pilot program is a part of Consumers Energy's long-term plans to move more power lines underground, bolstering the company's infrastructure as outlined in the Reliability Roadmap. Key Outcomes So Far in 2025: 100% reduction in storm-related outages to underground pilot areas compared to surrounding neighborhoods with overhead systems. Improved customer satisfaction, with feedback citing increased peace of mind during severe weather events. "We are seeing clear, measurable benefits from this pilot program," said Chris Laird, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric operations. "Not only have we improved reliability for our customers, but we've also reduced emergency repair costs and enhanced public safety." The pilot program targeted circuits that have frequent, lengthy outages and are in areas with dense trees in Genesee, Livingston, Allegan, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Iosco counties. "In order for us to continue growing, we need reliable power," said Allegan County Commissioner Scott Beltman. "Consumers Energy is really stepping up to the plate to make (our county) reliable for our residents to live and prosper here." Underground lines currently make up about 15 percent of all Consumers Energy electric lines, most being in subdivisions and areas with high population density. Burying lines improves reliability by 90% or more. In the next 5 years, the company aims to bury over 1,000 miles of line, subject to regulatory approval. As part of this expansion, Consumers Energy has requested to bury an additional 50 miles of overhead power lines beginning in mid-2026. 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 knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, flexible, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: Instagram: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy's Summer Energy Forecast: Michigan's Grid Ready to Weather the Heat
JACKSON, Mich., May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures rise and energy demand increases, Consumers Energy is prepared to deliver safe, reliable and affordable power to customers across the region throughout the summer. Our integrated energy strategy—featuring a balanced mix of generation sources, preparation and customer programs—ensures that homes and businesses stay powered during peak demand periods. "Our priority is always to keep the lights on, especially when our customers need us most," said Sri Maddipati, vice president of electric supply. "Thanks to our diversified energy portfolio and proactive grid planning, we are entering the summer season confident in our ability to provide reliable power." Consumers Energy's forward-looking supply plan features a robust mix of flexible generation resources that continue to evolve through strategic investments, like the acquisition of the Covert facility and recent expansion of the Zeeland Generating Station. We will also continue the operation of the Jackson Generating Station and the Karn 3 and 4 combined cycle units. "Our energy future is built on careful planning, smart investments and a flexible, reliable grid. Not only are we already seeing these investments pay off, but we'll continue to see dividends for generations to come," said Maddipati. Strategic investments in our facilities are critical to our long-term strategy to strengthen the grid, reduce outages and prepare for the energy needs of the future as outlined in the company's Reliability Roadmap. These investments helped to reduce customers' average time without power by over 20 minutes last year. In addition to our robust generation supply, Consumers Energy maintains ongoing grid monitoring and communications efforts. Control centers survey the grid 24/7 to respond quickly to any issue that may arise and there is daily coordination with MISO as part of a highly connected regional network featuring integrated transmission and distribution systems. Consumers Energy rewards customers financially for shifting energy use to early morning, evening and overnight times in the summer. Customers can lower their bills even more through programs that encourage households to use smart thermostats and agree to use less energy at peak times on a few days each summer. Customer programs combined with the diversified, flexible and prepared approach allow Consumers Energy to meet Michigan's energy demand while continuing to advance. 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 knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, flexible, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy Expands Zeeland Natural Gas Plant to Grow Michigan's Energy Reliability
JACKSON, Mich., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An expansion of Consumers Energy's Zeeland natural gas plant is underway and anticipated to be complete mid-June prior to the summer peak generation period, reinforcing the company's long-standing commitment to delivering reliable, affordable and flexible energy to Michigan communities. This investment is part of Consumers Energy's broader Reliability Roadmap, a strategic initiative focused on modernizing infrastructure and enhancing grid resilience to prepare for Michigan's energy future. "This expansion of our Zeeland facility is a powerful step forward in our commitment to reliability," said Norm Kapala, vice president of generation operations at Consumers Energy. "As demand for electricity continues to evolve, we're taking proactive measures to ensure our customers continue to receive dependable energy around the clock—especially as our communities grow." The Zeeland plant expansion will increase the generation capacity of the highly efficient natural gas plant through the installation of new technology to improve performance and flexibility. This includes an Advanced Gas Path (AGP) system to boost power output and fuel efficiency, along with an Advanced Fuel System (AFS) to better control how fuel is mixed. These upgrades will allow the turbines to generate more electricity and respond faster to demand, while staying within existing annual emission limits and result in 50 additional megawatts for customers along with a 2.5% improvement in fuel efficiency. "This is not just an investment in power generation—it's an investment in Michigan's future," Kapala added. "We're building a stronger, smarter energy grid that protects our communities and supports our state's economic growth." At Consumers Energy, our priority is to meet the electric needs of our customers. We've invested significantly in infrastructure to ensure reliable energy delivery with dependable, on-demand electricity. This includes maintaining the Jackson Generating Station and expanding our gas-fired facilities such as the recent purchase of the Covert Generating Station and this additional generating capacity at the Zeeland Generating Station. We will also continue the operation of the Karn 3 and 4 combined cycle units. 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 knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, flexible, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CMS Energy Announces First Quarter Results for 2025, Reaffirms 2025 Adjusted EPS Guidance
JACKSON, Mich., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today reported earnings per share of $1.01 for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $0.96 per share for 2024. The company's adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter were $1.02, compared to $0.97 per share for 2024. CMS Energy reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted earnings guidance of $3.54 to $3.60 per share (*See below for important information about non-GAAP measures) and long-term adjusted EPS growth of 6 to 8 percent, with continued confidence toward the high end. "Results from the first quarter show we are on track to deliver operationally and financially for 2025," said Garrick Rochow, President and CEO of CMS Energy and Consumers Energy. "A constructive outcome in our electric rate case in March, which supports needed investments in our electric Reliability Roadmap; sustained momentum on the economic development front; and steady progress on a variety of customer investment projects in our electric and gas systems together support our triple bottom line of people, planet and prosperity." CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy provider featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses. CMS Energy will hold a webcast to discuss its 2025 first quarter results and provide a business and financial outlook on Thursday, April 24 at 9:30 a.m. (EDT). To participate in the webcast, go to CMS Energy's homepage ( and select "Events and Presentations." Important information for investors about non-GAAP measures and other disclosures. This news release contains non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (non-GAAP) measures, such as adjusted earnings. All references to net income refer to net income available to common stockholders and references to earnings per share are on a diluted basis. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, business optimization initiative, changes in accounting principles, voluntary separation program, changes in federal tax policy, regulatory items from prior years, unrealized gains or losses from mark-to-market adjustments, recognized in net income related to NorthStar Clean Energy's interest expense, or other items. Management views adjusted earnings as a key measure of the company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Because the company is not able to estimate the impact of specific line items, which have the potential to significantly impact, favorably or unfavorably, the company's reported earnings in future periods, the company is not providing reported earnings guidance nor is it providing a reconciliation for the comparable future period earnings. The company's adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for the reported earnings. This news release contains "forward-looking statements." The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's results to differ materially. All forward-looking statements should be considered in the context of the risk and other factors detailed from time to time in CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Investors and others should note that CMS Energy routinely posts important information on its website and considers the Investor Relations section, a channel of distribution. CMS ENERGY CORPORATIONConsolidated Statements of Income(Unaudited) In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts Three Months Ended 3/31/253/31/24 Operating revenue $ 2,447$ 2,176Operating expenses1,953 1,764 Operating Income494 412Other income50 86Interest charges186 177 Income Before Income Taxes358 321Income tax expense63 58 Net Income295 263Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(9) (24)Net Income Attributable to CMS Energy304 287Preferred stock dividends2 2Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $ 302$ 285Diluted Earnings Per Average Common Share $ 1.01$ 0.96 CMS ENERGY CORPORATIONSummarized Consolidated Balance Sheets(Unaudited) In Millions As of 3/31/25 12/31/24 Assets Current assetsCash and cash equivalents$ 465 $ 103 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 6175 Other current assets 2,2562,612 Total current assets 2,7822,790 Non-current assetsPlant, property, and equipment 27,90327,461 Other non-current assets 5,6105,669 Total Assets$ 36,295 $ 35,920 Liabilities and EquityCurrent liabilities (1)$ 1,920 $ 2,261 Non-current liabilities (1) 8,4868,345 CapitalizationDebt and finance leases (excluding securitization debt) (2) 16,30815,866 Preferred stock and securities 224224 Noncontrolling interests 588518 Common stockholders' equity 8,1118,006 Total capitalization (excluding securitization debt) 25,23124,614 Securitization debt (2) 658700 Total Liabilities and Equity$ 36,295 $ 35,920(1) Excludes debt and finance leases.(2) Includes current and non-current portions. CMS ENERGY CORPORATION Summarized Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)In Millions Three Months Ended 3/31/25 3/31/24Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts$ 178 $ 248Net cash provided by operating activities 1,000956 Net cash used in investing activities (918)(637) Cash flows from operating and investing activities 82319 Net cash provided by financing activities 266294 Total Cash Flows$ 348 $ 613 End of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, Including Restricted Amounts$ 526 $ 861 CMS ENERGY CORPORATIONReconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Non-GAAP Adjusted Net Income(Unaudited) In Millions, Except Per Share Amounts Three Months Ended 3/31/25 3/31/24 Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $ 302$ 285 Reconciling items: Other exclusions from adjusted earnings**3 4 Tax impact(1) (1) Voluntary separation program- * Tax impact- (*)Adjusted net income – non-GAAP $ 304$ 288 Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted299.1 297.2 Diluted Earnings Per Average Common ShareReported net income per share $ 1.01$ 0.96 Reconciling items:Other exclusions from adjusted earnings**0.01 0.01 Tax impact(*) (*) Voluntary separation program- * Tax impact- (*)Adjusted net income per share – non-GAAP $ 1.02$ 0.97* Less than $0.5 million or $0.01 per share.** Includes restructuring costs and business optimization views adjusted (non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) earnings as a key measure of the Company's present operating financial performance and uses adjusted earnings for external communications with analysts and investors. Internally, the Company uses adjusted earnings to measure and assess performance. Adjustments could include items such as discontinued operations, asset sales, impairments, restructuring costs, business optimization initiative, changes in accounting principles, voluntary separation program, changes in federal tax policy, regulatory items from prior years, unrealized gains or losses from mark-to-market adjustments, recognized in net income related to NorthStar Clean Energy's interest expense, or other items. The adjusted earnings should be considered supplemental information to assist in understanding our business results, rather than as a substitute for reported earnings. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE CMS Energy Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Consumers Energy Debuts All-Electric Bucket Truck, Serving Customers with Zero-Emissions Vehicle
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Showing that electric vehicles come in all shapes and sizes to meet people's needs, Consumers Energy is now serving customers with the company's first all-electric bucket truck. The truck will perform work in Grand Rapids to provide customers with reliable energy, and it represents yet another step in Consumers Energy's commitment to powering Michigan's EV transformation. "We continue to see more EVs take to the road in Michigan, and it's interesting to see how they arrive in different forms, from heavy-duty vehicles to school buses, to meet all sorts of needs," said Lauren Snyder, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience. "We want to provide an example to our customers who are making their own choices about buying EVs." VIDEO: See Consumers Energy's all-electric bucket truck The new bucket truck will soon be hitting the road in Grand Rapids and will be staffed by a specially trained team. Built by International Motors and equipped with an Altec boom, the truck is powered by a fast charger at Consumers Energy's Grand Rapids service center and can travel up to 135 miles when fully charged. Chris Laird, Consumers Energy's vice president of electric operations, said he's excited to see the bucket truck improve electric service to customers. The company's Reliability Roadmap is a plan to reduce the number and length of power outages. "We're excited to see this vehicle help our customers who count on us for reliable, dependable energy," Laird said. "Our traditional mission to serve customers isn't changing, but we are changing the way we do that work. In this case, that means powering a durable vehicle with zero-emissions energy." Consumers Energy provides solutions that support Michigan's EV drivers, including rebates for home and public charging through its PowerMIDrive program and a companion program, PowerMIFleet, that helps businesses electrify their fleets. 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. For more information about Consumers Energy, go to Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media Facebook: Instagram: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Consumers Energy
