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.

To see more information about Consumers Energy’s commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/sustainability.