Consumers Energy, a unit of CMS Energy, has announced a $13.7 billion capital plan that will be deployed through 2029 to expand renewable generation and modernize the distribution network across Michigan.
The investment is split between renewable projects and distribution upgrades: roughly $8 billion will fund solar farms, wind turbines, and battery storage, while the remaining $5.7 billion will be used to bury lines, install sensors, and add other technology to the grid. The plan is part of CMS Energy’s broader $20 billion five‑year capital budget for 2025‑2029, an increase from the $17 billion budget for 2024‑2028.
The commitment aligns with Michigan’s 2023 Energy Law, which requires utilities to reach 60 % renewable generation by 2035 and 100 % clean energy by 2040. Consumers Energy’s plan is designed to meet those milestones while also providing the capacity needed for the state’s growing data‑center and advanced‑manufacturing sectors.
The company noted that the U.S. Department of Energy has extended the emergency order keeping the J.H. Campbell coal plant online through November 19 2025. Keeping the plant operational has cost Consumers Energy $29 million between May and June 2025, and the company is pursuing cost‑recovery measures. The extension is intended to preserve reliability while the company ramps up renewable capacity.
Data‑center developers are driving a surge in high‑load demand in Michigan, and the distribution upgrades will enable the utility to serve these large customers without compromising reliability. The grid improvements also position Consumers Energy to capture new revenue from these high‑value loads.
In its most recent earnings release, CMS Energy reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.93, beating analyst expectations of $0.87 by $0.06. Revenue of $2.02 billion exceeded the forecast of $1.82 billion, a surprise of $0.20 billion. The company raised its 2025 EPS guidance to $3.56‑$3.60 and issued a 2026 guidance range of $3.80‑$3.87, reflecting confidence in continued growth and cost discipline. The capital plan is framed as a strategic investment that will support the company’s financial performance over the long term.
CEO Garrick Rochow emphasized that the investment “positions Consumers Energy to deliver long‑term value for customers while meeting Michigan’s clean‑energy goals.” He highlighted the company’s focus on grid reliability, technology upgrades, and a balanced approach to transitioning away from fossil fuels.
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