DETROIT, April 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy announced today that it is serving as host sponsor for next week's ACI National Home Performance Conference and Trade Show in Detroit, the nation's leading educational and training event for professionals who work in the home energy-efficiency industry.
"The theme of this conference, 'Creating a Better America,' reflects the story of energy efficiency in Michigan," said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy's vice president of customer operations and quality.
"Our energy efficiency programs have helped power Michigan's economic revival, producing $575 million in savings for Michigan homes and businesses since 2009," Rochow said. "We are excited to help bring the nation's home contractors to Michigan to share our story and to hear theirs."
More than 1,000 home performance professionals are expected to attend the three-day conference from April 29 to May 1 at Detroit's Cobo Center. Sessions will focus on the latest technical information and business development strategies in the home performance industry.
Van Jones, host of CNN's "Crossfire" and former White House green jobs adviser, will serve as the conference's keynote speaker April 30.
Consumers Energy started its energy efficiency programs five years ago following a Michigan energy law that set targets for energy reduction. Today, company employees and contractors work with thousands of homeowners, businesses and schools each year to reduce buildings' energy usage, saving dollars and protecting the environment.
"We know the most cost-efficient form of energy is the energy we don't use," Rochow said, "and we are pleased to host this conference as our Promise to help Michigan save 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.
Media toolkit
CONFERENCE WEBSITE: Learn more about this year's ACI Conference in Detroit: www.affordablecomfort.org/events/2014-aci-national-home-performance-conference-trade-show
SAVINGS FOR MICHIGAN: Energy efficiency programs from Consumers Energy have generated $575 million in savings for Michigan homes and businesses: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/News.aspx?id=7027&year=2014
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Learn more about energy efficiency with Consumers Energy: www.ConsumersEnergy.com/save
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.
Consumers Energy media contacts: Brian Wheeler, 517-788-2394, or Debra Dodd, 517-545-8711
ACI conference media contact: Amy Kozusko, 412-424-0085
SOURCE Consumers Energy