Michigan gov. hails renewable energy deal

LANSING, Mich., June 25 (UPI) -- A move by Michigan utility company Consumer Energy to purchase renewable energy from state sources is a step toward a green energy future, the governor said.

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm hailed a decision by Consumers Energy to buy renewable energy for the Michigan grid under a 20-year plan.

"These projects will help power Michigan homes and businesses, build markets for our growing wind manufacturing industry and create jobs," Granholm said in a statement.

Consumers Energy under the deal will purchase more than 230 megawatts of renewable energy from three wind farms operated by John Deere in the eastern and southern counties of Michigan starting in 2012.

Renewable energy derived from the decomposition of organic matter in a landfill operated by Houston's Waste Management Renewable Energy in eastern Michigan will contribute 12.8 MW of energy for Consumers Energy within two years.

"The power purchase agreements support Consumers Energy's plan to increase its renewable energy supply portfolio to 10 percent by 2015 to meet the requirements of Michigan's energy reform law," the utility company said.