Protecting the Great Lakes For Future Generations

Effective October 1, 2001, Electric Customers can now help protect Great Lakes for future generations by enrolling in the Consumers Energy Green Power Pilot Program. The first 4 million kilowatt hours distributed to customers by Consumers Energy will be generated by Mackinaw Power's Mackinaw City Project.

Each kilowatt hour purchased has been certified as "new, Michigan-based, zero-emissions renewable power" ("EcoPower" or "Green Power") by Environmental Resources Trust (ERT). ERT is an independent, nationally-recognized non-profit based in Washington, D.C. ERT is comprised of the National Audubon Society, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Environmental Defense and the German Marshall Fund.

ERT receives funding from the Great Lakes Protection Fund. ERT's goals are to catalyze green power markets by providing the necessary auditing and verification services to maintain customer confidence that new green power sources are being brought on line.

Beginning October 1, 2001, 1.7 million Consumers Energy customers have the right, on a first-come, first-served basis to enroll for the following:

1. 100% Green Power for a $0.032/kWh charge.
2. 50% Green Power for a $0.016/kWh charge.
3. 10% Green Power for a $0.0032/kWh charge.
4. Industrial customers may nominate a 100% Green Power block.

Consumers Energy's 10,000 industrial, 170,000 commercial and 1.4 million residential customers may enroll for a minimum of one and a up to 17 years at the www.consumersenergy.com website.

Green Power Pilot Program customers will:

1. Enhance National Energy Security: First, new wind power makes America less dependent on foreign energy sources, while locking in competitive, stable prices over the long-term; diversifying the resource base.
   
   
2. Further Environmental Stewardship: Second, new Green Power improves air quality, water quality, farmlands and protects our Great Lakes heritage for future generations.Each residential customer that enrolls for Green Power will save an estimated three tons of coal, annually. Green Power's true value includes abating, each year, 2001 - 2025, for each household enrolled:10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (GHGs) 300 pounds of sulfur dioxide (SO2; acid rain) and 150 pounds of nitrous oxides (NOx; smog).
   
   Further, each residential customer's Green Power enrollment is the equivalent of planting 1.2 acres of trees and removing one automobile's pollution from our roads.
   
   
3. Encourage Sustainable Economic Growth: Third, new wind power serves as a catalyst for sustainable, 21st c. jobs and technology, complementing our growing industrial base.

To enroll, contact Consumers Energy Co. or enroll on line, click on "Energy Program" and sign-up under "Green Power."

For more information, call Richard Vander Veen, Mackinaw Power: (616) 897-1304