There's a new program from Consumers Energy to help large businesses use renewable energy sources and General Motors and Switch are the first participants.
Both companies are now matching 100% of their electric use at key operations in Michigan with wind-generated power.
“Switch and General Motors are leading the way for companies that want to operate efficiently in a competitive environment, yet also make and meet commitments to our planet,” said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president of operations. “We look forward to providing clean energy that will power Switch, General Motors and other large businesses that choose Michigan to locate and grow.”
Switch’s Pyramid Campus, which is a 1.8 million-square-foot data center in Grand Rapids, and the General Motors’ Flint Metal Center and Flint Engine Operations is matched entirely with energy produced by Cross Winds Energy Park II.
“It was a pleasure to work with Consumers Energy to continue Switch’s commitment to using 100 percent new, local renewable energy resources to power our data centers,” said Adam Kramer, Switch executive vice president of strategy.
Consumers Energy’s new renewable energy program for large businesses was approved last year by the Michigan Public Service Commission. They expect to produce more than 40% of energy from renewable sources and energy storage by 2040.
“Corporations have a leadership opportunity to help accelerate and scale renewable energy, making it more accessible and affordable for everyone,” said Dane Parker, General Motors vice president of Sustainable Workplaces. “The Consumers Energy program will help General Motors meet its commitment to source 100 percent renewable energy at all global operations by 2050, while reducing emissions in our Michigan communities and making the grid greener.”
Consumers Energy currently provides 10% of customers’ energy use from renewable sources.
