Jackson-Based Consumers Energy Begins Operations of $90M Cross Winds Energy Park II in Michigan’s Thumb Area

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Six months after groundbreaking and $90 million in construction, Jackson-based energy provider Consumers Energy today announced that Cross Winds Energy Park II has begun serving customers in Columbia Township, located in Michigan’s Thumb.

The facility currently contributes 44 megawatts of renewable energy statewide, and is capable of serving more than 17,000 residents.

“We have flipped the switch for phase two of our Cross Winds Energy Park to meet more of Michigan’s demand for energy with renewable wind energy, a clean source that benefits the entire state,” says Dennis Dobbs, Consumers Energy’s vice president of enterprise project management, engineering, and services.

Cross Winds Energy Park Phase II is part of a $345 million total investment comprised of 81 wind turbines, including Cross Winds’ first phase. The turbines can produce up to 155 megawatts of renewable energy, serving approximately 60,000 residents.

Overall, Consumers Energy’s goal is to add $5 billion to Michigan’s economy over five years through Pure Michigan Business Connect by locally sourcing infrastructure investments. Detroit-based White Construction served as lead contractor on the project. The second phase includes 19 wind turbines, which each standing 499 feet tall.

Cross Winds’ third and final phase has been approved and is expected to go into commercial operation in 2020. The park’s initial operations began in 2014. More information can be found here.