OREANDA-NEWS. Consumers Energy today announced that it has started operations at its second solar power plant, transforming 8.5 acres at Western Michigan Universityinto a new source of renewable energy for Michigan.

"We are pleased to work with Western Michigan University and the public to provide energy from new, renewable sources right here in our state," said Dan Malone, Consumers Energy's senior vice president of energy resources. "This solar power plant represents our commitment to powering our state reliably and sustainably, using our state's own natural resources."

The two solar power plants are part of Consumers Energy's Solar Gardens program, in which customers support the development of new renewable energy in Michigan and reduce their carbon footprint.

"Western Michigan University has a longtime commitment to sustainability and helping our state use its resources wisely," said WMU President John M. Dunn. "This new facility will allow us to contribute immediately to the production of sustainable energy for Michigan and serve in the long term as an example for how partnership and innovation can be used to meet the important interests of our community."

Consumers Energy has made significant changes to how it generates energy, closing seven coal-fired power plants this year and developing renewable energy sources in Michigan.

The energy provider operates two wind farms, one near Lake Michigan and one in the Thumb, and contracts to buy energy generated by wind, landfill gas, anaerobic digestion and hydroelectric generation. Consumers Energy also has contracted to buy energy from a 100-megawatt wind farm under construction in Michigan's Thumb.

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.