Consumers Energy Developing Source of Energy Through Anaerobic Digester Program

Consumers Energy is developing renewable energy supplies for the future with a new program in which it will buy electricity produced by anaerobic digesters.

"Michigan residents expect us to generate power in new ways to reflect changes in technology. Our development of this pilot program will help us see how well we can develop energy from activity on our state's farms and other facilities," said Timothy Sparks, Consumers Energy's vice president of energy supply operations.

Anaerobic digesters generate electricity from biodegradable material. The process could be used by agricultural operations, wastewater treatment facilities, and food producers who are interested in learning about turning waste into renewable energy. In November, the company co-hosted an informational forum on the subject with Michigan State University.

Consumers Energy expects to buy 2.4 megawatts of electric capacity from anaerobic digesters selected through this program. It is open to only the company's electric customers. Applications will be accepted April 1 through June 2.