SHERIDAN TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Consumers Energy is signing an agreement to purchase 100-megawatts of solar power from a facility in Calhoun County.
The deal is to buy about 2/3rds of Ranger Power’s River Fork Solar power output in Sheridan Township for 20-years.
The project will need to be approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission but if it receives the green light it is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 244,000 tons each year, which is equivalent to the yearly emissions of 77,702 cars.
Calhoun County will also benefit economically. The renewable energy is expect to generate a 2.5-million dollar increase in household earnings in the area, create almost 270 construction jobs, and about 16-million dollars in construction will be spent in the county.
In a statement, President of Ranger Power Paul Harris said, “We are excited to enter into this major agreement with Consumers Energy and we are proud to play a part in providing clean, renewable energy to customers across Michigan. The River Fork Solar Project is the result of our community-first approach to development and will provide clean, renewable energy to Michigan consumers, while creating new jobs in Sheridan Township and contributing to the economic health of Calhoun County and the region.”
