On Thursday the state approved expediting the expansion of a wind farm in the thumb.
The Cross Winds Energy Park in Tuscola County is currently in the process of constructing 19 wind turbines, which are expected to be in use next year.
Construction of 33 more wind turbines was scheduled to begin in 2022, but has now been moved up to 2019.
Consumers Energy proposed the acceleration of the third phase of expansion at the farm, which began operating in 2014.
Officials say after next year’s expansion, the wind farm will be able to power about 50,000 area homes.