Michigan International Speedway Continues on Track to a Greener Michigan, Powered by Consumers Energy

BROOKLYN, Mich., Aug. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan International Speedway is waving the green flag this weekend, making a commitment with the help of Consumers Energy to match 100 percent of its electricity use with renewable energy.

Officials from the racetrack, host to Sunday's Pure Michigan 400, and from Consumers Energy on Sunday announced plans to improve Michigan's environment through actions at its largest racetrack -- and largest campground. Those include support for renewable energy, a new initiative to plant trees and a commitment by MIS to reduce energy usage.

"We're totally committed to a greener Michigan, and with the help of Consumers Energy we know that we can show the way for our state and for racetracks across the country," said Roger Curtis, Michigan International Speedway president. "A half-million people watch races, take part in events and camp overnight at MIS each year. We want to make sure they – and we – are doing our part to care for the environment."

Michigan International Speedway now becomes the largest customer to enroll 100 percent in Consumers Energy's Green Generation program. Close to 20,000 homes and businesses in Michigan participate in Green Generation, contributing each month to purchase power from renewable sources, all made in Michigan.

"It's a commitment like this that puts everyone on track to a greener Michigan," said Patti Poppe, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer experience, rates and regulation.

Poppe presented Curtis with an award for its commitment to sustainability.

 "Consumers Energy works every day to develop sustainable energy plans for the future, but we can't do it without working with businesses like Michigan International Speedway right here in our community."

Also announced Sunday:

• A joint commitment by MIS and Consumers Energy to plant more than 3,000 trees in Michigan for each of the two race weekends in Michigan.
• Consumers Energy will work alongside MIS to identify ways to cut energy usage and implement those solutions.
• Both will look together at developing wind, solar and other renewable energy generation at the racetrack.
• Consumers Energy is providing information about energy efficiency and Green Generation to more than 2,200 campsites in and around the racetrack this weekend.
• Consumers Energy is providing race fans with access to cell phone charging stations.

About Michigan International Speedway: Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is NASCAR's fastest track and the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It's the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

About Consumers Energy: Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.5 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ConsumersEnergyMichigan and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ConsumersEnergy.

MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY: Follow the action on Twitter: #summerfast and #puremichigan400

Learn more about MIS: www.mispeedway.com

GREEN GENERATION: Information about Consumers Energy's Green Generation program:  www.ConsumersEnergy.com/green

SAVE ENERGY: Learn to manage your energy usage and get all your energy questions answered: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/saveenergy

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140817/136736

SOURCE Consumers Energy