Consumers Energy Launches Effort to Help Students 'Think!' Energy Efficiency; Michigan School Superintendent Praises Program's Accountability

JACKSON, Mich., March 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers Energy wants upper elementary school students to think "energy efficiency" when they're at school and home.  That's the core message behind a program that's rolling out today and will reach 13,000 students per year.

The program involves presentations to students about making smart choices when it comes to using energy.  Each student receives a kit to take home with various energy efficiency devices.  The kit includes two CFL lightbulbs, a shower timer, high efficiency showerhead, faucet aerator and a night light.  

"One of the really great things about this program is that student accountability is built in up-front," said Mike Flanagan, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.  "Not only does the program integrate energy efficiency directly with classroom instruction and assessment, it also involves the student's family so the whole household starts to think about making smart energy choices."  The "Think! Energy" program focuses on students in grades 4, 5 and 6.  The program is a collaborative effort with the Michigan Department of Education, National Energy Foundation and Consumers Energy.

The "Think! Energy" program is one part of Consumers Energy's comprehensive energy efficiency program, launched in accordance with Michigan's Clean, Renewable, and Efficient Energy Act of 2008.

"Consumers Energy continues to move forward with implementation of the new energy reform law.  We're particularly pleased to be working with teachers, students and their families to provide support and encouragement to make smart energy choices," said John Russell,  Consumers Energy's president and chief operating officer.  "In these tough economic times, this is a prime example of how business and school partnerships can benefit kids and our state."

You can learn more about Consumers Energy energy efficiency programs by visiting www.consumersenergy.com

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to more than six million of the state's nearly 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at www.consumersenergy.com

SOURCE Consumers Energy