Wyoming’s Maya Mexican Grill and Bar is one of the restaurants participating in the gift card match. (WKTV)
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma joanne@wktv.org
Consumers Energy is partnering with the Michigan Municipal League Foundation to create a unique gift card program to let customers double their spending and help 40 minority-owned businesses in the Grand Rapids area.
The initiative is part of Consumers Energy’s Our Town program to assist small local businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several Wyoming and Kentwood business are participating in the program such as Lindo Mexico and May Mexican Grill, Robinson Popcorn, Tamales Mary, and Bar in Wyoming and The Candied Yam in Kentwood.
Consumers Energy’s $55,000 contribution to the Michigan Municipal League Foundation is allowing the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber and Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses to provide $25 Mastercard gift cards to 40 of their member businesses.
“This unique partnership with the MML Foundation allows Consumers Energy to work with an important business segment facing challenges because of COVID-19 by increasing local spending in the greater Grand Rapids community,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience.
Kentwood’s The Candied Yam also is participating in the gift card program. (Supplied)
Under the program, which kicks off today, patrons who spend a minimum of $25 at a participating location will receive a $25 Mastercard gift card that can be applied to their purchase or spent at any of the participating businesses. Each business will receive an equal number of gift cards for distribution, but supplies are limited and are expected to sell out quickly.
The program is also backed by the Michigan Municipal League Foundation, which is working to advance community wealth through strategic partnerships and investments in strong, diverse leadership for Michigan communities and place-based initiatives that drive equitable outcomes.
Foundation President Helen D. Johnson said an essential part of this gift card program is how it is geared toward underserved communities and minority-owned businesses. Johnson also thanked Consumers Energy and Grand Rapids area leaders for their tremendous commitment to this program.
“The MML Foundation is proud to join Consumers Energy and the Grand Rapids area in supporting this gift card effort. This program will provide much needed financial assistance to our local businesses that need it the most in emerging from the pandemic,” Johnson said. “Our Foundation believes in community wealth building and enhancing the human experience in our communities in ways that share economic prosperity for everyone. That is exactly what this program does.”
“This is a great way to directly help our local businesses hit so hard by the pandemic,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, a past Michigan Municipal League Board president. “I appreciate Consumers Energy’s focus on local communities, the support from the MML Foundation and the work from the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber and Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses to make this a reality.”
More information, including a list of participating restaurants, is available by visiting Home – WMHCC and GRABB Local .
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Consumers Energy are launching a public campaign today to ensure Michigan residents take advantage of tens of millions in federal, state and local dollars that will help households and small businesses pay winter heating bills.
“No one should go without warmth or comfort in their own home when they can have access to so many dollars here in Michigan, starting with a single phone call,” Nessel said. “We know February’s brutal cold is leaving our friends and neighbors with high energy bills, but they should know they can take action now that can make a huge difference.”
“Consumers Energy is working right now to help many Michiganders who could use support due to the twin challenges of the pandemic and the cold snap,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “The new federal stimulus and other sources are making tens of millions of dollars available to help with energy bills.”
Nessel and Michigan’s largest energy provider are teaming up after two weeks of especially cold temperatures in February caused furnaces to run more often than usual. The cost of that heat will be reflected in customer bills that are arriving this month.
Consumers Energy and the attorney general are both reaching out to the public and are promoting resources to help Michiganders. People who are struggling with energy bills should call 2-1-1, a free service that connects people with nonprofit agencies in communities across the state. They can also go to mi211.org.
Consumers Energy alone has provided $15 million since last fall to help customers pay bills. In all, the company and its charitable foundation have provided over $21 millionto support customers and communities with needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Consumers Energy knows asking for assistance isn’t always easy,” Snyder said. “But we want you to know money is available right here in Michigan to go toward your energy bills. Even if you didn’t qualify in the past, it’s possible you can get help today.”
With another Great Lakes winter already upon West Michigan, and the official beginning of the season coming next week on Dec. 21, cold temperatures are already impacting local households.
So, Consumers Energy recently announced 10 safety and savings tips to help Michiganders conquer winter weather.
“Following these simple yet important tips can help ensure Michigan residents remain safe during the heating season and save money on energy bills,” according to the statement.
First, and maybe foremost in some households, help is available for those finding it difficult to pay energy bills. Consumers Energy this fall gave $12 million to help households and small businesses with their energy bills, according to the statement. Contact 2-1-1 to find out what resources within your community are available to help with energy, housing, transportation and other needs.
Energy savings opportunities
Consumers Energy is offering free smart thermostats to households and small businesses to help them reduce costs. Smart thermostats can help customers save 10 percent or more on energy bills, reduce energy waste and help the electric grid by reducing energy use during times when demand for energy is highest, according to the statement.
The free thermostats are available to businesses that Consumers Energy serves. Businesses can see if they qualify at ConsumersEnergy.com/marketplace, where they can also purchase other energy-saving products. Residential customers can see if they qualify by visiting ConsumersEnergyStore.com.
Other cost-saving tips include: change your furnace filter monthly during winter months, especially with pets in the home; seal air leaks around windows and doors coming into your home with weather stripping and caulk; let drapes hang loose but make sure they don’t block heat registers and air-return ducts, and close registers/ducts in unused rooms.
Also, if working/learning from home due to COVID-19, regularly unplug electronic devices when not in use, or use a smart power strip. Devices that continue to draw power when they appear to be turned off can cost up to $200 annually in wasted energy, according to Consumers Energy.
Heating safety advice
Consumers Energy recommends households install an audible UL listed carbon monoxide alarm. Poisonings from this colorless, odorless toxic gas are most prevalent in the winter when furnaces are operational, and doors and windows are shut, according to the statement.
In addition, make sure furnaces are operating efficiently and safely by having them inspected and tuned by a qualified professional annually; keep flammable materials such as clothing and boxes well away from the furnace; keep space heaters away from curtains, furniture, clothing and other flammable materials; and unplug space heaters before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Also, in the category if “strongly recommends,” never use a stovetop or oven or charcoal grill to heat your home; and never use a generator inside a home, basement or garage — keep them outdoors at least 25 feet from the home.
Former Wyoming deputy manager Megan Sall Rydecki has left the city to become the new community affairs manager for Kent County for Consumers Energy.
Rydecki came back to the City of Wyoming in 2017, serving in her current role for more than three years.
“Leaving the city of Wyoming was a tough decision but I’m so pleased I can continue giving back to Kent County in another way, helping Consumers Energy deliver world-class performance to its customers,” said Rydecki, who recently changed her name. “This region is poised for continued growth and I’m thrilled to remain a part of its future.”
In her new role, which she started today, Rydecki will serve as the local government and community representative for Consumers Energy.
“We’re excited that Megan is joining our team in a role that is vital to the prosperity of our company and the greater Grand Rapids community,” said Josh Burgett, Consumers Energy’s executive director of community engagement. “Megan has a proven track record and brings significant experience and trusted relationships with leaders across Kent County that will allow her to both share our passion for these communities’ success and help deliver energy solutions to our customers.”
Rydecki will work alongside outgoing Community Affairs Manager Karen McCarthy, who will retire in early 2021 after more than 37 years with the company. Rydecki also has worked for The Right Place Inc., the Grand Rapids-based regional economic development organization. Kent County, including the city of Grand Rapids and surrounding communities, is the largest metropolitan area within Consumers Energy’s electric service territory.
Rydecki currently serves as chair of the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees, co-chair of Grand Rapids WhiteWater’s Campaign Cabinet and is a board member of the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
With fall’s colder temperatures across Michigan signaling the start of the deadliest season for carbon monoxide (CO) poisonings, Gov. Rick Snyder and Michigan’s two largest energy providers last week urged residents to protect themselves against toxic gas known as the “silent killer” because it is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
“Carbon monoxide can be deadly and is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning in the United States and we applaud Gov. Snyder for declaring Nov. 5 – 11 Carbon Monoxide Safety and Awareness Week in Michigan,” said Charles Crews, vice president of gas operations for Consumers Energy.
“At Consumers Energy safety is our top priority. We are committed to helping families stay safe by sharing information to prevent this life-threatening hazard that can occur almost anywhere – including homes, businesses, RVs, hunting blinds and when using portable generators,” Crews said.
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, provides natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
CO poisoning occurs when appliances and consumer products are improperly operated or vented and fuel does not burn properly – including oil, propane, natural gas, wood, charcoal, gasoline, kerosene and diesel. December, January and February are when the most carbon monoxide poisonings occur because furnaces are operating and buildings are more airtight.
“DTE urges families to protect themselves against CO poisoning by installing an Underwriters Laboratory (UL)-approved audible carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Businesses should install carbon monoxide alarms in main areas to protect their employees and customers,” said Dan Brudzynski, vice president of Gas Sales & Supply for DTE Gas. “We also recommend interconnecting all CO alarms, so that when one alarm goes off, they all will sound.”
Common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often flu-like and can include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and stinging or burning of the eyes. Prolonged exposure can cause loss of consciousness and even death.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms and suspects carbon monoxide poisoning should leave the affected home or building immediately, call 9-1-1 for medical attention and stay out of the building until the problem has been corrected. Other important tips to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Inspect furnaces annually, and have regular tune-ups performed by a qualified service professional.
Change or clean furnace air filters at least once a month (more if pets are present) during the heating season.
Inspect chimneys and vent pipes regularly to be sure they are free of obstructions like leaves and animal/bird nests.
Keep generators at least 25 feet away from enclosed areas and away from doors, windows and fresh air intakes. Never use a generator in a basement, enclosed garage or covered porch.
Vehicles, power lawn equipment and snow blowers should only be operated where there is adequate ventilation, never in enclosed spaces.
Never use gas stoves or charcoal grills for heating a room. Never leave a supplemental heater or fireplace unattended.
Various city leaders and local law enforcement were on hand for the official reading of the National Night Out proclamation at Consumers Energy this morning.
The annual morning event, which was at the Consumers Energy offices, 4000 Clay Ave., have officials and officers from Rockford, Walker, Grandville, Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Wyoming.
Wyoming Chief Kim Koster and Kentwood Chief Thomas Hillen
Kicking off at 5:30 a.m., Consumers Energy had two of its large trucks with buckets extended above U.S. 131 to help draw attention to the annual event. Consumers Energy employees were handing out light bulbs to those traveling down Clay Avenue.
For the 24th consecutive year, Consumers Energy has been recognized by the National Association of Town Watch as the recipient of “National Electric Utility Award” for its participation in National Night Out 2017. National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Area residents are encouraged to turn their porch light on and go out and meet their neighbors.
More activities will be taking place later this afternoon and evening in both the communities of Kentwood and Wyoming.
In Kentwood, the city’s big kick off will be at Woodland Mall from 3— 5 p.m. Residents will have to opportunity to met with Kentwood police and firefighters and get an up-close look at emergency vehicles. There will be a bicycle raffle and a special visit from McGruff the Crime Dog.
There is about 20 different neighborhood events taking place throughout the city, several of which will have a variety of entertainment. Those with special activities are:
• Christ Community Church, 2400 Forest Hill Ave. SE, 5— 7 p.m., will have water slides, games, food and beverages.
• Wingate Apartments, 3151 Wingate Dr. SE, 5— 7 p.m., will have a dunk tank and live music.
• South United Methodist Church, 4500 S. Division Ave., 6— 8 p.m, will have live music, a water slide, games, hot dogs, ice cream, snow cones and punch.
• Faith Church, 1412 44th St. SE, 6— 8 p.m., will have face painting, music, games, hot dogs, and pop.
Walker Mayor Mark Huizenga, Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley, and Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.
• Pentecostals of Kentwood, 2627 44th St. SE, 6—8 p.m., will have a bounce house, puppets, live music, games, food and beverages.
• St. Paul’s United Method Church and Forest Pointe Apartments, 3334 Breton Ave. SE, 6—8 p.m., will have lawn games, sidewalk chalk, basketball, food and beverages.
In Wyoming, the city’s big event is the National Night Out Concerts in the Park hosted by the Wyoming Enrichment Commission. The event starts at 6 p.m. with activities and at 7 p.m. Chief Kim Koster will make a short presentation and announcing the Yellow Brick Road, dueling pianos that will feature the music of Billy Joel and Elton John.
The City of Wyoming has about 15 neighborhood parties ranging from small gatherings to those with an arrange of activities. Those open to the public are:
• Oriole Park Neighborhood Watch will host an event at Oriole Park, which is located off of 40th Street, from 6—8 p.m.
• South Godwin Neighborhood Watch will host an event at Southlawn Park, 4125 Jefferson Ave. SE., from 6—8 p.m.
• Grace University, 1011 Aldon St. SW, from 5—7 p.m.
Also near Kentwood Community Church will be the South Kent National Night Out event from 4—8 p.m.The event will include a number of emergency vehicles from several area departments, food and other activities. The event will have demonstrations by the K-9 Unit, vehicle extraction demonstrations, the Kent County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit, children ID packets, a bounce house and dunk tank. The church is located at 1200 60th St. SE.
WKTV, already a pretty energy efficient small business, learned it could save some with a Consumers Energy energy assessment program. (Consumers Energy/WKTV)
Consumers Energy’s EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs includes efforts to assist businesses big and small to save money on their energy bills. WKTV community media — a small business in some ways — invited Consumers Energy into our studios to see how the program worked.
“Part of this program has been designed with you (small businesses) in mind,” Garrick Rochow, senior vice president of operations at Consumers Energy, recently told a group of business leaders. “The small business programs are driven by our contractors … those contractors will come out to your business, provide an assessment, make some recommendations, break down the costs to you, if any.”
After setting up an appointment through Consumers Energy, an energy advisor paid a visit in early June and took a tour of WKTV’s facility. The end result was an Energy Assessment Report specifically for our business.
The report included recommendations for energy-saving opportunities, a summary of estimated energy and cost savings along with available incentives, and a link to program brochures and rebate applications.
At WKTV, most of the interior lights are already energy efficient LED bulbs, but it was pointed out that every bulb replaced could save about $11.77 annually. (It was also pointed out that rates/savings vary.)
As far as some of the other energy savings opportunities pointed out, the report stated that changing two 250 watt exterior light fixtures with LED could qualify for a $59 rebate and could save $74 a year; and changing out the restroom lights to be motion-sensing (to turn off when not in use) could qualify for $100 rebate and could save $33.61 a year.
The bottom line, with WKTV already being pretty energy efficient, was that we could save about $155 in energy use and qualify for as much as $200 in rebates.
WKTV is probably the best example of savings, however, as we previously reported on one local company, Rishi’s International Beverage, located just across 28th Avenue from Kentwood, which faired much better from the review.
Paul Makkar, Richi’s owner, told WKTV that: “We had many light bulbs and the electric bill was outrageous because we have, like, 600 bulbs — the bill was very high, I was concerned about that.”
The company then applied for an energy assessment and energy savings program through Consumers Energy and “we were given a significant amount of money to change to LED lights. So, the very first month after installing all those lights, we got like a $400 difference every month. … which is like $5,000 per year.”
The final report to WKTV on its recent assessment came in an email with the following:
“Thank you for allowing Consumers Energy to perform an energy assessment at your facility. … (name of contractor) who performed your assessment, has enclosed the findings in the attached report. The values contained in the report provides usage history, savings analysis of items installed during the assessment, and estimated savings and potential rebates for several recommendations. The savings estimates are based on typical usage for your type of facility and average utility rates. Actual savings in your facility will vary based on your hours of operation, business type and actual utility rates. If you choose to move forward with our recommendations, please visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/StartSaving. On the website you will learn how to find a participating small business contractor, download a rebate application and learn many more ways to save energy. Thank you again for allowing the Consumers Energy Business Energy Efficiency Programs to help you save energy and lower your monthly bills.”
Other services available to small businesses through the EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs were a rate review, to make sure as businesses grow, other more competitive rate options may be available; how to become a supplier to Consumers Energy — which has made a commitment to Michigan-based small businesses as potential suppliers; as well as renewable energy options for businesses.
For more information on the Consumers Energy small business programs, visit comsumersenergy.com or call 800-805-0490.
By Terry Gibb, Michigan State University Extension
Two major energy producers in Michigan would accelerate plans to increase their renewable portfolios. This action was in exchange for the dropping of a ballot initiative to increase the state’s renewable energy increase mandate. The 2018 ballot initiative, if adopted by voters in November, would incrementally increase state standards from 18 percent by 2022 to 30 percent by 2030. The current 2016 state law outlines a goal of 15 percent renewable energy generation by 2021.
DTE and Consumers Energy have agreed to work toward a 50 percent clean energy goal by 2030. This will be accomplished through a combination of 25 percent renewable energy and 25 percent in energy efficiency.
This agreement will be included to each company’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that must be filed with the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) which oversees these companies. An IRP is a long-term plan outlining a utility’s resource needs to meet future energy demand. Currently, 33 states require utilities to file IRPs with their state PSC.
Renewable energy generated from natural processes, such as wind, sunlight and water, will be used to obtain the 25 percent in the agreement. These sources will never be depleted unlike coal, oil or gas which are finite resources. Besides being unlimited, renewable energy sources also are clean sources because they don’t release carbon pollution in the atmosphere when burned to create energy. The primary alternative energy sources typically considered are:
Solar energy, available for many years, uses solar panels to change the sun’s energy into electricity or heat that can be used for energy.
Wind energy, formed by the earth’s rotation, captures air currents and turns it into electricity through wind turbines.
Geothermal energy, while not as common as solar or wind, has significant potential as an energy source. Geothermal (“Geo” means earth and “thermal” means heat) heat energy is generated from the Earth’s constant underground temperature using water reservoirs.
Hydropower is created either by moving water (water current in a river) or water’s change in elevation or fall from one level to another (waterfalls).
While this agreement will decrease pollution in our air and water, there are tradeoffs. It takes significantly more of a renewable energy to generate the same amount of power compared to the non-renewable sources of gas, oil or coal. There are still some environmental impacts from renewable energy and, in some cases, the lifespan of the renewable system can be shorter so requires replacement sooner than convention energy generation sources. Some areas have issued moratoriums on additional renewable sources, such as wind, due to issues of sound, flickering, land use and viewscapes.
One part of a Consumers Energy’s EmPOWERing Kent County package of programs, — which was the focus of a wide-ranging, business-focused discussion Tuesday, May 22 — are efforts to assist businesses big and small to save money on their energy bills.
And one local company, Rishi’s International Beverage, located just across 28th Avenue from Kentwood, was presented as a case-in-point at the discussion, held at downtown Grand Rapids’ JW Marriott.
“We had many light bulbs and the electric bill was outrageous because we have, like, 600 bulbs — the bill was very high, I was concerned about that,” Paul Makkar, Rishi’s owner, said to WKTV.
The company then applied for an energy assessment and energy savings program through Consumers Energy and “we were given a significant amount of money to change to LED lights. So, the very first month after installing all those lights, we got like a $400 difference every month. … which is like $5,000 per year.”
Makkar’s small business took advantage of one of several programs discussed at the morning gathering, which also allowed businesses attending direct access to energy and economic development experts. (The Right Place local economic development group was in attendance.)
Among the programs discussed were energy efficiency, which invited each business to receive a free energy assessment “to help reduce energy use and save money over the long haul,” according to supplied material.
“Part of this program has been designed with you (small businesses) in mind,” Garrick Rochow, senior vice president of operations at Consumers Energy, told the crowd. “The small business programs are driven by our contractors … those contractors will come out to your business, provide an assessment, make some recommendations, break down the costs to you, if any.”
Consumers Energy has several environmentally friendly energy generation efforts, including solar gardens. (Consumers Energy)
Other services offered to small businesses were a rate review, to make sure as businesses grow, other more competitive rate options may be available; how to become a supplier to Consumers Energy — which has made a commitment to Michigan-based small businesses as potential suppliers; as well as renewable energy options for businesses.
As far as Consumers Energy’s renewable energy efforts, also detailed at the meeting was the company’s goals: in the next five years, the company (which has one of its customer service centers in Kentwood) wants to save 1 billion gallons of water, reduce waste to landfills by 35 percent, and enhance and protect 5,000 acres of Michigan land; by the year 2040, it wants to reduce carbon immersions by 80 percent and eliminate the use of coal in energy generation.
For more information on the Consumers Energy small business programs, visit comsumersenergy.com or call 800-805-0490.
The location of the new Consumers Energy headquarters.
By Roger C. Morgenstern
Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy’s investment in West Michigan continues with plans for a new $20 million headquarters in the city of Grand Rapids to serve the fastest-growing region of its company.
The building will house up to 275 employees who support the design and delivery of energy service in the Grand Rapids area, the company’s largest electric service area in Michigan.
Those to 275 employees currently are based at the company’s West Kent Service Center, 4000 Clay Ave. SW, Wyoming. The employees include the customer contact center, engineering, business customer care, human resources and customer experience. About 250 workers will remain at the Clay Avenue facility, including operating, maintenance and construction field employees, work management center for all dispatching and scheduling activities and electric system control. The current bill payment center will remain as well. Consumers Energy plans no changes to its East Kent service center in Kentwood or its North Kent facility in Sparta.
The six-story, 40,000 square-foot-building, including an onsite parking structure, will be located in the Circuit West area on the city’s west side. Circuit West is a 13-block hub of innovative electricity generation, distribution and storage and energy efficient building construction. Circuit West is led by Consumers Energy and Rockford Construction, which will serve as the new building’s construction manager. The energy provider recently closed on the sale of the property at 501 Alabama St. NW. A groundbreaking for the new headquarters is anticipated later this year with the building complete by 2020.
“Our Circuit West investment already includes work underway for an innovative, more responsive and reliable electric distribution system, energy storage and rooftop solar installations,” said Garrick Rochow, senior vice president of operations for Consumers Energy.
“Constructing this building within Circuit West shows our continued commitment to a prosperous, growing Grand Rapids and West Michigan region.”
Shown here is the finished roadwork at Second Street and Broadway Avenue.
Rochow said locating the building in the city’s West Side, a vibrant area seeing significant redevelopment centered on sustainability and walkability, is a promise to Consumers Energy’s employees of today and tomorrow.
“We are very focused on retaining and attracting the workforce of the future, which means providing a work environment that is connected within a community where people can work, live, and play.”
Rockford Construction’s corporate headquarters is less than a block west of the planned Consumers Energy building. Rockford has been closely involved with the recent Circuit West building boom.
“Our vision is to provide a safe, innovative, sustainable neighborhood on the West Side that is a magnet for people and commerce,” said Mike VanGessel, Rockford Construction’s chief executive officer. “We are pleased to welcome Consumers Energy as a new neighbor within Circuit West.”
The announcement comes less than a year after Consumers Energy dedicated its John G. Russell Leadership Center, an $11 million facility on Grand Valley State University’s Robert C. Pew Campus, immediately south of the L. William Seidman Center near downtown Grand Rapids. In June 2016, the company began commercial operation of its 3-megawatt Solar Gardens generating facility in nearby Allendale adjacent to GVSU’s main campus.
The new Circuit West building will be constructed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Consumers Energy has constructed all of its recent buildings to LEED standards, including a number in West Michigan, like the Russell Leadership Center and new service centers in Norton Shores and Hamilton.
“The Grand Rapids area is our largest electric service region and is seeing continued growth,” Rochow said. “This new building within Circuit West is in response to that growth and our continued commitment to our purpose of world class performance delivering hometown service.”
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is being recognized for having one of the best and most energy-efficient airports in the region. Consumers Energy presented a rebate check for $151,631 to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) today, as part of the company’s energy efficiency program which is saving the airport energy and money.
GFIA received the rebates for six projects totaling $151,631 and 2,140,991 kilowatt hours in annual savings – enough electricity to power nearly 300 Michigan homes for a year. The six projects include the most recent completion of the Gateway Transformation Project Phase One, work in the Airport’s parking garage, and upgrades in the Field Maintenance and Airport Rescue Firefighting facilities.
“Our airport is proud to receive recognition for being energy-efficient, and we are grateful to have partners like Consumers Energy who help us recognize areas where we can improve and be more resourceful,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “As we continue to expand our footprint during upcoming construction and make technology upgrades and improvements, we want to be as green as possible.”
Consumers Energy has helped Michigan customers save more than $1.5 billion through energy efficiency projects since 2009.
“Our commitment to world class performance delivering hometown service means we work every day helping customers like GFIA with creative solutions to reduce energy consumption. This is good for the planet, and also lowers energy bills which ultimately benefits Michigan’s economy,” said L
An upcoming public session set for Monday, Feb. 12, in Grand Rapids will give community members an opportunity to learn about Consumers Energy and to provide thoughts on how to meet Michigan’s future energy needs.
The open house is scheduled for 4 – 7 p.m. at Consumers Energy’s Russell Leadership Center, 120 Front Ave. SW .
The input from the public will help Consumers Energy develop an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), a valuable long-range tool the company will use to continue to powering Michigan with affordable, reliable and clean energy.
The energy provider expects to submit the plan to the Michigan Public Service Commission by mid-year, as part of the energy law that Michigan lawmakers approved in late 2016. The commission will have about a year to review the plan.
“This process will help set the foundation for serving Michigan, its customers and guiding key decisions for our company in the coming years,” said Brandon Hofmeister, Consumers Energy’s senior vice president of governmental, regulatory and public affairs. “We’re committed to aligning our focus on people, planet and prosperity with this future energy plan. Our goal is a strategic vision that makes sense for our company, our customers and Michigan.
The Feb. 12 event is the second of two public forums. The first was held Jan. 29 in East Lansing.
Consumers Energy serves about two thirds of Michigan’s residents, providing electricity and/or natural gas to homes and businesses in every Lower Peninsula county.
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest energy provider, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
The City of Kentwood is getting a lot brighter – thanks to a conversion to LED streetlights on primary streets.
Kentwood is joining the growing list of cities making the conversion, swapping out 2,661 of its current high-pressure sodium, or HPS, lights to light-emitting diode, commonly known as LED lights. The project will be completed in four phases and was started last week.
“From now through the end of October, Kentwood will be working with Consumers Energy to convert 489 lights on major streets such as 44th Street, 52nd Street and Eastern Avenue,” Kentwood City Project Manager Dan VanderHeide said. “We are pleased with this partnership, which will allow us to improve lighting while saving money.”
The City of Kentwood LED conversion is one of several similar projects Consumers Energy is working on with local governments across Michigan. In the last two years Consumers Energy has worked with about 50 communities on at least a partial conversion to LED streetlights.
Phase One of Kentwood’s project will save the city more than 193,000 kilowatt hours annually, which translates to enough energy to power about 25 Michigan homes per year. The change to LED lights is the first phase of the project and is expected to save the City more than $35,000 annually in maintenance and repairs.
“Consumers Energy is pleased to collaborate with Kentwood to save the City and its residents both energy and money with this LED streetlight conversion,” said Lisa Gustafson, Consumers Energy’s executive director of business customer care. “As we continue to convert similar LED projects with communities across Michigan, we commend the City of Kentwood for its commitment to an affordable and sustainable energy future.”
Motorists will experience minimal, short-term lane interruptions throughout the City while Consumers Energy switches light fixtures.
At its Monday night regular council meeting, the Wyoming City Council accepted more than a half a million dollars from the Department of Natural Resources Natural Resources Trust Fund.
The city first applied for the fund in March of 2016 with it taking about a year and half for the state to release the funding, said the city’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt at the Aug. 7 council meeting. Rynbrandt said the funds were officially released on July 14 when the Governor signed the authorization.
The grant, totaling $508,300, is a 63 percent match to the city’s $300,000. The total $808,300 along with an additional $68,150 for capital outlay will be used for improvements at Ideal Park, which was severely impacted by two tornados, one in 2014 and a second one in 2016. The 2014 tornado caused extensive damage which included the lost of the park’s playground, tennis and basketball courts and a majority of the trees.
The money will cover the first phase of reconstruction for the park, which is located at 5843 Crippen Ave SW. Included in the plan is the construction of a shelter, playground and basketball court, reforestation, traffic control improvements for vehicle and pedestrian safety, and non-motorized trail improvements including the establishment of a trail head and improved connection to the Inter-ubran trail and Kent County trail system.
Upgrading lights to LED
Also at the Aug. 7 council meeting, the City of Wyoming Council approved the expense of $253,000 to upgrade 1,081 Cobra Head street light fixtures from mercury vapor and high pressure sodium to LED.
The city actually has more than 4,422 existing Consumer Energy mercury-vapor and high-pressure-sodium street lights that the city is looking to upgrade to LED light fixtures. The main reason for this, according to a report from the city’s Director of Public Works William D. Dooley, is that it would reduce energy usage which is a benefit to the environment and a cost savings to the city.
Of the existing lights, most are the Cobra Head lights totaling about 3,391. The total cost to replace all the Cobra Head lights is about $1.4 million or an average of $410 per light. The new LED fixture will reduce the energy use by an estimated 64 percent and save Wyoming approximately $300,000 a year. According to Dooley’s report, the city would recoup the cost of the replacements in less than five years. The cost for upgrading these lights to LED reflects a large discount from Consumers Energy because the company can avoid its scheduled upgrade.
In April, the City Council had decided to move forward to upgrade the Cobra Head lights to LED fixtures. The replacement will be done in four phases. At the Monday night meeting, the council approved the expense for the first phase of about $253,000.
The first area to receive the upgrade will be the northwest section of the city, from about north of 36th Street and west of Burlingame Avenue.
The Wyoming City Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at the Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW. The Aug. 21 meeting will be on the lawn at the Metro Health Village. The meetings are broadcast live on WKTV Channel 26 and rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.
Turn your porch light on and come out and meet your neighbors.
It is a simple action and one for the past 33 years has been the mantra of National Night Out — this year Aug. 1 — a nationwide movement created by the National Association of Town watch to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Always the first Tuesday in August, the event has evolved to neighborhoods hosting block parties, festival, parades, cookouts and other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personal, exhibits and much more.
This year, both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming will have numerous events and activities taking place during the Aug. 1 National Night Out event with police officers, firefighters and city leaders out in full force to meet with residents and show support of the annual community building event.
Both communities will kick off the day’s activities with the Consumers Energy Kick Off from 5:30 – 8 a.m. at the company’s service center located at 4000 Clay Ave. SW. Both Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley will be in attendances along with Kentwood Police Chief Thomas Hillen and Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody and representatives from the cities of Walker and Grand Rapids.
Last year’s Consumers Energy kick off event for National Night Out.
City of Kentwood National Night Out Activities
The Kentwood Police Department has once again partnered with Woodland Mall and Celebration! Cinema for a daytime event from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the outdoor courtyard between Celebration! Cinema and Barnes & Noble and also inside the mall near the North Face store. Residents can come to meet with Kentwood police and firefighters and their vehicles, enjoy prizes, games and free popcorn, and there are reports that McGruff the Crime Dog will be making an appearance.
“For the past 50, Kentwood has shown over and over again that we’re really about helping each other through community involvement,” Mayor Stephen Kelley said. “City leadership is looking forward to continuing our community relationship with Kentwood residents through block parties, cookouts and other events on Aug. 1.
“Fostering a better community starts with open communication. We’re excited that National Night Out provides that open communication we find so essential.”
Various neighborhoods will host community activities in the evening.
Most of the neighborhood activities will be taking place from 6 – 8 p.m. There are about 13 community gatherings planned with police, firefighters, and city officials planning to fan out and visit each one. Those gaterhings include Christ Community Church, 2400 Forest Hill Ave. SE from 6 – 8 p.m . which will include games and a slip ’n’ slide and South United Methodist Church, 4500 Division Ave. SW near Ridgewood Street, from 6 – 8 p.m.
“Our officers really look forward to National Night Out,” said Police Chief Thomas Hillen. “It really energizes our officers and residents because of the open communication. We enjoy listening to citizens and issues important to them. The day allows us to get to the root of the community to build those open lines of communication that are vital to keeping our city safe.”
City of Wyoming National Night Out Activities
Wyoming City officials are estimating there will be 14 neighborhood-hosted events along with the last Concerts in the Park being dedicated to National Night Out activities. Starting at 7 p.m. in Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St. SW, Concerts in the Park will including a night of family fun and the music of country band Union Guns.
Wyoming firefighters help some local children cool off during last year’s National Night Out.
“National Night Out is always a great opportunity for residents in Wyoming and around the Country to get out and meet new neighbors, or reconnect with the old,” Carmody said. “It is also an opportunity to reaffirm our community’s commitment by joining together to keep our neighborhoods safe by keeping a watchful eye on each other.”
Major Jack Poll said, during a recent city council meeting, that city officials will be working to make as many of the neighborhood events as possible. Rolling Hills Neighborhood Watch will host a bike parade to kick off its event at 6:30 p.m. near 2523 Oak View SW. Other Wyoming National Night Out Block Parties include:
Grace Bible College died just west of Clyde Park on 26th Street, 4- 6 p.m.
Taft Avenue near 2860 Taft Ave, 5- 8 p.m.
Rogers Lane Neighborhood Watch near Old Rogers Lane Elementary, 2929 Rogers Lane, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
South Godwin Neighborhood Association at Southlanw Park, 4125 Jefferson Ave. SE, 6 – 8 p.m.
Ferrand Estates, at the club house located at 4528 Halifax Ave. SW, 6 – 8 p.m.
Riverview Condos at the club house at 3325 Scenic River Dr., 6 – 8 p.m.
Oriole Park Neighborhood Watch at Oriole Park, 1380 42nd St. SW, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
43rd Street in the 2400 block of 43rd Street, 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Other National Night Out Actives
Outside of the Kentwood and Wyoming areas, there are several other National Night Out events.
The South Kent National Night Out will be from 4 – 8 p.m. at Celebration! Cinema South, 1506 Eastport Dr. SE. Communities in the Kent County Sheriff’s Department’s South Kent area, such as Byron, Gaines, Caledonia and Bowne townships, are invited to meet the local first responders who service their communities. The event will include demonstrations by the K-9 Unit, vehicle extraction demonstrations, the Kent County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit, children ID packets, a bounce house and dunk tank.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center, in partnership with the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association, will host activities from 5 to 8:30 p.m. This free event feature family fun activities such as slip ‘n’ slide rides, games, and community resources. Concessions will be available for purchase. Local police and fire units, along with American Medical Response (AMR) will also be on hand to interact with families in attendance. Garfield Park Neighborhood Association will be handing out information to visitors as well.
“The Grand Rapids Kroc Center is honored to be a host site for National Night Out,” said Lieutenant Bill Brutto, senior officer for The Salvation Army Kroc Center. “We always want to continue working toward unity and reconciliation in our city, and special events like this are a good way to bring people together.”
The Salvation Army Kroc Center event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or lightning. Visit GrKrocCenter.org or call 616-588-7200 for more information on the Kroc Center event.
Baby, it’s coooold outside! And while some Kentwood residents will be sleeping all toasty-warm in their beds in the wee hours of the morn this Saturday, Jan. 7, Consumers Energy workers will be busy attending to a 138,000-volt power line at the electrical substation near 68th Street and Kalamazoo Avenue.
(Worthy of note, arctic temps are expected to drop to 7 degrees between Friday night and early Saturday morning — but fear not, customers likely will not be inconvenienced.)
The planned outage is scheduled so that workers can safely isolate old equipment and update it. About 2,400 Consumers Energy customers in Kentwood and Gaines Township will be without power for about 30 minutes beginning around 2:30 a.m. — but unless you’re a night owl with a late-night craving for microwaved popcorn at 2:45 a.m., you may not even notice (well, that is, until dawn breaks and your clock radio needs resetting.)
The outage will affect an area approximately a mile east and west of Kalamazoo Ave. SE from Christie Ave. SE south to approximately 100th Street SE. Residents in that area received post cards from the utility alerting them to the outage.
Mayors from the communities of Kentwood, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Walker and Rockford attend the National Night Out kick-off event at Consumers Energy this morning. Police officers from the various municipalities also were on hand.
The mayors and police officers from both Kentwood and Wyoming kicked off National Night Out activities in the wee hours of the morning at Consumers Energy, 4000 Clay Ave. SW.
Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley were joined by officials from Rockford, Walker, and Grand Rapids at the Consumers Energy location for the annual reading of the official National Night Out proclamation which all the participating communities’ governing boards have approved.
Established in 1984 with funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, National Night Out marks its 33rd year. The event’s goals are to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody and Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll are interviewed by WOOD-TV’s Eva Aguirre for National Night Out.
“This is an opportunity for people to get to know their neighbors,” said Wyoming Police Chief James Carmody. “When I was young, your community and the people you knew were your neighbors as people spent time on the front porch.”
Today, people are more transient with individuals and families moving in and out of a community on a regular basis. Neighborhood groups are still the main “eyes and ears” of a community, Carmody said adding that Neighborhood Watch groups are helpful in preventing crime before it even happens.
National Night Out is administered by the National Association of Town Watch. The National Association of Town Watch officials have indicated that the 2016 National Night Out event could be the largest ever, involving about 38.3 million people in more than 16,700 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley talk at the Consumers Energy’s National Night Out event.
For 22 consecutive years, Consumers Energy has been recognized by the National Association of Town Watch as the recipient of the National Electric Utility Award.
The Wyoming Consumers Energy location has served as the early morning kick-off to the local activities with police cars from various municipalities on hand as early as 5 a.m. Two large Consumers Energy trucks also were on site with buckets extended above U.S. 131.
“We appreciate the support we receive from our cities and law enforcement agencies not only for this annual event, but during every day of the year,” said Guy Packard Consumers Energy vice president of electric operations. “We feel it’s very important to show our appreciation of police officers across our state.”
