As a result of its outstanding support for renewable energy in Michigan, the City of Grand Rapids has been named "Green Generation Customer of the Year" by Consumers Energy.

Grand Rapids is enrolled as the largest single participant in Consumers Energy's Green Generation program and is helping to drive significant investment in Michigan-based wind power. Today's award adds to national recognition Grand Rapids has received for reaching its goal of 20 percent renewable energy supply.

"We are very pleased that Grand Rapids -- the largest community we serve with electricity -- is being positively recognized for its leadership on renewable energy," said Consumers Energy president and CEO John G. Russell. "We thank Mayor Heartwell and the city's leadership for their support for green generation in Michigan."

Said Mayor George Heartwell: "The action today on renewable energy is found in cities. I'm proud that Grand Rapids has taken a lead in this field and I'm grateful to our good partner Consumers Energy. The Green Generation program makes it easy for cities, businesses and homeowners to participate in the renewable energy movement."

Grand Rapids is now one of the top 20 municipal purchasers of renewable energy, joining larger cities such as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and San Diego. The city's leadership earned it induction into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Leadership Club in December 2008.

Two other Grand Rapids-area Green Generation participants were also part of Tuesday's news conference -- San Chez Bistro, and Grand Rapids Community College.

Consumers Energy's Green Generation program was the first voluntary renewable energy program in Michigan and now has more than 13,000 customer participants. The program was launched following authorization by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Green Generation has led to the development of several new renewable energy projects in Michigan, including the state's largest wind facility, John Deere Renewables' Michigan Wind 1 in the Thumb. Other Green Generation projects include biomass facilities located near Birch Run, Fennville, Lennon, Marshall and Zeeland. Consumers Energy also purchases electricity for the program generated by two wind turbines near Mackinaw City. All of the projects are located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula and all sources are Green-e certified as renewable.

The Green Generation program offers Consumers Energy's electric customers an opportunity to support renewable energy by enrolling in the voluntary program and paying a small premium. Program information is available at www.greengeneration.com.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.