Consumers Energy has agreed to a 300MW PPA for two Michigan solar projects being developed by Chicago-based Ranger Power in Genesee and Hillsdale counties.
The agreements are currently being reviewed by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
The PPAs are part of the Consumers Energy’s plan to dramatically increase renewable energy, eliminate coal electricity by 2025 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Consumer Energy’s vice president of electric grid integration Timothy Sparks said: “Providing 300MW of clean energy for our customers is a commitment to our planet, the people of Michigan and contributes to the prosperity of communities where solar projects are sited.
“We are pleased to reach this agreement with a valued partner that is helping us bring to life a vision to provide a clean energy transformation that benefits Michiganders, both current and future generations.”
Consumers Energy would purchase power from Confluence Solar in Genesee County and Heartwood Solar in Hillsdale County.
The new solar projects are each 150MW and scheduled to begin operating by year-end 2024. Ranger Power will own and operate the sites.
Ranger Power president Paul Harris said: “Securing power purchase agreements with Consumers Energy for our Confluence and Heartwood Solar projects is a major milestone in our efforts to provide clean, renewable energy to customers across Michigan.
“We’re glad to be expanding our partnership with Consumers and continue to be guided by a community-first approach as we complete both solar projects.”
The $200m (€190m) Confluence Solar project is expected to create up to 250 jobs in Genesee County during construction and generate over $25m in new property tax revenues over the lifetime of the project.
The new tax revenues will benefit several local taxing jurisdictions including Genesee County, Flushing and Montrose Townships, Flushing and Montrose schools, Genesee Intermediate School District, Mott Community College, and the local airport, library and transportation authorities.
Ranger Power’s $150m Heartwood Solar project will create a similar number of jobs in Hillsdale County and generate nearly $19m in new property tax revenues over the lifetime of the project.
The new tax revenues will benefit several local taxing jurisdictions, including Hillsdale County; Allen and Fayette Townships; Jonesville Community Schools; Hillsdale Intermediate School District; and the Jonesville District Library.
Consumers Energy today owns and operates solar power plants in Cadillac and on the campuses of Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University.
The energy provider also purchases power from another 18 locations throughout the Lower Peninsula.