Utility moves forward on $255M wind power project

AKRON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- Consumers Energy plans to begin construction this year on a $255 million wind power project in Michigan that will expand the company's renewable energy options. The unit of Jackson-based CMS Energy Corp. announced Wednesday that it signed a contract with Southfield-based Barton Malow Co. for engineering, procurement and construction services at the Cross Winds Energy Park, a 105-megawatt wind farm in Tuscola County. "Hiring a well-respected Michigan company to help us generate more clean energy for customers makes sense for our company and for the state," Jim Pomaranski, Consumers Energy's vice president of major projects and construction, said in a statement. The contract is subject to approval by the Michigan Public Service Commission. It includes designing, engineering and constructing the park's turbine foundations, access roads, an operations and maintenance building; erecting the park's 62 wind turbines; and building the infrastructure that connects the turbines to the electrical grid. The utility's project is in Akron and Columbia townships, about 90 miles northwest of Detroit. It's expected to create about 150 construction jobs. Cross Winds is expected to be completed by late 2014, the utility said. Cross Winds is Consumers Energy's second wind farm. The Lake Winds Energy Park began operating near Ludington in November. Published: Thu, Sep 12, 2013