Consumers Energy is accelerating the construction of 33 new wind turbines in Tuscola County as part of a push to meet Michigan’s renewable energy goal of 15 percent by 2021.
The completed project will bring a total of 114 new wind turbines to the area.
The Michigan Public Service Commission approved construction for an additional 33 turbines as early as 2019.
Katie Carey is with Consumers Energy. She said originally the turbines weren’t scheduled to be built until 2022.
“It will help consumers energy meet the state's new 15 percent by 2021 renewable energy goal. Additionally it helps us achieve our proposed plan to help large businesses who choose to go one hundred percent renewable, it plays into that.”
Carey said locals won’t see any changes see any changes in their rates but there could be economic benefits to the wind farm.
“We are currently conducting an economic impact of benefits that would be created within the region including further payments to landowners, increased tax benefits, and additional multiplier impacts. We should have more from that study later this year.”
The second phase of the project, which will build 19 wind turbines in the area, is expected to begin within the next few months.