Consumers Energy Helps Hometown of Jackson Claim Title as Michigan’s ‘Clean Energy Capital’

The Energy Star certification displayed on the JTV Building.  JTV photo.

(June 3, 2020 8:46 AM) Consumers Energy’s hometown of Jackson is now Michigan’s clean energy capital, after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it has more ENERGY STAR-certified buildings than any small city in the nation.

“I’m thrilled to see Jackson step forward as a leader among cities in the Midwest and across the country,” said Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy’s president and chief executive officer. “It’s no secret that we at Consumers Energy have been working toward this goal for our hometown, working with business owners to certify dozens of energy-efficient buildings.”

The EPA announced that it gave ENERGY STAR certifications to 50 buildings in Jackson last year, more than any other community of its size across the U.S. Jackson already was a clean energy leader, with the second-most certifications in the country in 2018.  The JTV Building received ENERGY STAR certification last year.

“The City is thrilled to have this honor for Michigan’s Energy Capital. It really reflects the close collaboration Consumers Energy has with our community businesses and organizations,” said Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies. “More work is continuing with the City’s Environmental Commission to make sure more of our buildings are energy-efficient and green.”

American 1 Credit Union had five Jackson buildings ENERGY STAR certified through the effort.

“We are working hard to reduce our energy footprint and make strides for more efficient buildings. We pursue these efforts not only to do our part for the environment and our community, but to help reduce expenses, which keeps our lending interest rates and fees lower for our members,” said Liz Niles, facilities and maintenance manager at American 1. “Our goal is to certify at least one new building each year until all of our buildings are ENERGY STAR certified.”

Consumers Energy works actively with business and community leaders to identify buildings for national recognition. Buildings can receive the ENERGY STAR certification when they take certain measures to reduce energy waste. Learn more: www.energystar.gov/buildings

Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Consumers Energy also has supported the community in other ways. The Consumers Energy Foundation contributed $200,000 to the community as part of $1.8 million in small business support statewide. The company, too, is providing up to 100,000 smart thermostats to residents in Jackson and across the state to reduce energy use and bills.

Consumers Energy is taking other steps to put Jackson on the national map for energy leadership. Its Smart Energy District in downtown Jackson will be a showcase for solutions that will help the energy provider work faster toward its goal of eliminating carbon emissions by 2040.

“The work we are doing in Jackson is an example of our Triple Bottom Line commitment to people, the planet and Michigan’s prosperity, Poppe said. “In the last decade, Michigan homes and businesses that we serve have reduced bills by over $3 billion by reducing energy waste, and we are excited to work them in Jackson and in every community we serve to reach the next level.”