New Mi Clean Air program aims to staunch carbon emissions

JACKSON, Mich. -- Consumers Energy began a program to help environmentally-conscious customers offset carbon gas emissions.

The Mi Clean Air program is inkeeping with the company’s long-term goal of achieving net zero gas emissions by 2050.

“We’re proud to offer the Mi Clean Air program to home and business owners to help lead Michigan’s clean energy transformation while continuing to safely deliver the energy our customers need to keep their homes warm here in Michigan,” said Greg Salisbury, vice president of gas engineering and supply for Consumers Energy.

For residential and small/medium business customers, the program allows the purchasing of offset credits from the Luce County forest. This enables the forest owner to reduce logging and secure carbon dioxide.

For commercial and industrial customers, the program provides options like international cooperation and local forest preservation.

Residential customers participating in the program can enroll for $6 a month and reduces their natural gas usage by about 30%.

Enrollment can be found at the program’s website.

This program extends to a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Consumers Energy has reduced methane emissions by 15 percent over the past decade.

The company is currently Michigan’s largest energy provider, facilitating natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million residents.