Consumers Energy has launched a safety campaign to make the public aware of the many natural gas pipelines that exist in Michigan communities. Recognizing the importance of this effort, the Michigan Municipal League is helping Consumers Energy spread the word about this campaign.

Because League members and other public officials have authority over land, streets or roads along a Consumers Energy natural gas pipeline, it is very important that they are aware of Consumers Energy’s continuing efforts to keep Michigan communities safe and secure. Your awareness of these pipelines and any unusual activity around them can help Consumers Energy maintain the safety and security in your community. The tips at the Consumers Energy post here provide guidance on how to manage activity around our pipelines, the properties of natural gas and how to determine if there is a leak. These tips are also available as a downloadable brochure.

Go here for more information about the Consumers Energy Natural Gas Pipeline Safety program.

Consumers Energy will host public meetings to discuss the expansion of the Experimental Advanced Renewable Program (EARP), which is a standard-offer contract program for electricity generated by customer-owned solar generators. Consumers Energy customers, solar installers and others interested in learning more about selling photovoltaic electricity to Consumers Energy should plan to participate in two sessions to be held Tuesday, August 30:

1. In-depth program discussion 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Topics include current EARP program status; how the program works; participation, eligibility and system requirements; application and paperwork tutorial; installation standards; EARP process details.

2. High-level program overview 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Topics include how the program works; participation, eligibility and system requirements; EARP process details.

Sessions will take place at the The Henry Center (3535 Forest Road in Lansing), or via online meeting. Contact Consumers Energy's EARP coordinator at solar@cmsenergy.com by Friday, August 26 to RSVP. Be prepared to provide attendee name(s), organization(s)/affiliation(s), contact phone number(s), email address(es), and indicate plans to attend in-person or via online meeting. For more: http://www.consumersenergy.com/EARP

Luke Forrest is Project Coordinator for the Center for 21st Century Communities. Contact him by email, by calling 734-669-6323 or on Twitter @l4est.