Energy Efficiency

Consumers Energy has been ranked as Michigan’s top company – and ninth in the nation – in Newsweek’s annual “Green Rankings,” a reflection of its commitment to environmental principles that are good for its home state of Michigan and customers. Consumers Energy was flanked by Apple and Johnson & Johnson on the list of top performing companies in the country. California-based Cisco Systems finished first overall.

One might think the proliferation of renewables would spell the demise of natural gas, but market leaders know that gas-fired generation will continue to play an important role even as an influx of renewable energy reshapes the American power landscape.

Sustainability is in Schneider Electric’s DNA. It is rooted in everything we do. Our mission is to help our customers meet their sustainability goals while continuing to grow their business.

General Motors Flint Complex has received a $2.6 million incentive payment from Consumers Energy for energy efficiency upgrades, part of the energy provider’s commitment to helping businesses across Michigan lower their energy costs. Consumers Energy President and CEO Patti Poppe presented the incentive check to GM officials at the Flint Assembly plant today.

Whirlpool Corporation has completed installation of wind turbine near Ottawa, OH plant that is expected to generate energy quantities equivalent to the amount needed to power 300 - 400 American homes.

Whirlpool Corporation has completed a wind turbine project at its Ottawa, OH plant. The $13.5 million project is expected to generate 1.5 megawatts of electricity and offset 34% of energy needs at the facility.

Looking to take advantage of the LNG oversupply and low pricing, many developing regions are now establishing gas-to-power markets that can accommodate imported supply. Converting to gas power, particularly in regions that have historically run on diesel fuel oil, can carry additional economic benefits. In some areas, conversions can cut electric costs in half.

According to a Berg Insight report, by 2021 nearly 55 percent of all households in the U.S. are expected to be “smart” homes. Smart, connected thermostats can now do far more than just monitor temperatures – they can adjust humidity levels, turn on and off lights, lock and unlock doors, check security cameras and more.

For Power Industry, Innovation is Key. For electric utilities, innovation will be key to helping the industry evolve and prepare for the future.

Testifying today at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) hearing on repealing the glider provisions in the Phase 2 national fuel economy standard for heavy-duty vehicles, Carol Lee Rawn, Transportation Program Director at Ceres, made the following statement:

“Repealing the glider emission requirements would have a detrimental impact on both the economy and environment. The proposed changes would undermine the competitiveness of the U.S. freight truck industry, is contrary to business interests, and would increase harmful emissions and healthcare costs.”