OREANDA-NEWS. Consumers Energy announced today that it will provide up to 75,000 high-efficiency LED bulbs to Michigan families through food banks in October.

Consumers Energy is making the contribution as part of its month-long "Buy a Bulb, Give a Bulb" promotion, which starts Saturday with an event in Grand Rapids that is part of the nationwide 2016 ENERGY STAR® Change the World Tour. For every LED bulb that's purchased at participating retailers, the energy provider will donate an LED bulb to food banks through Feeding America West Michigan.

"We are committed to helping people save energy and to giving back to the communities we serve," said Tim Sparks, Consumers Energy's vice president of energy supply operations. "Energy-efficient LED bulbs reduce costs for Michigan households, allowing them to put their money toward warming their homes as temperatures start to fall."

Consumers Energy this year received ENERGY STAR's Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award for its work to reduce Michigan residents' energy use, the fourth time the energy provider has been honored. Michigan homes and businesses have saved over $1 billion on their energy bills since 2009 through Consumers Energy's energy efficiency programs. 

In addition to using up to 90 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs last much longer.

"Everyone can join us in brightening a life with ENERGY STAR," said Ann Bailey, chief of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's, ENERGY STAR Labeling Branch. "Each purchase of an ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulb saves you money and makes a difference for the planet, but this October it can also improve the life of someone in need."

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.