Right Trees in the Right Places Promote Long-Term Reliability and SafetyJACKSON, Mich., May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is expanding its line clearing efforts, with crews working across more than 9,000

<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="prntac"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Right Trees in the Right Places Promote Long-Term Reliability and Safety</i></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">JACKSON, Mich.</span>, <span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">May 26, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is expanding its line clearing efforts, with crews working across more than 9,000 miles of power lines this year to secure the power grid and protect public safety across Michigan.</p>
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<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Trees and limbs remain the leading cause of outages, accounting for nearly 40% of all service interruptions. With more frequent and severe weather, preventative maintenance line clearing is essential to limit safety risks that can happen when trees and limbs come in contact with power lines and to secure the grid to keep the power on.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#34;The goal of our work is to reduce power outages and help protect our neighbors by keeping a safe distance between vegetation, power lines, and equipment&#34; said Sara Stewart, Consumers Energy&#39;s director of forestry operations. &#34;By monitoring and clearing more frequently, we are staying ahead of risks and helping the electric system better withstand extreme weather.&#34;</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Consumers Energy is increasing how often it monitors areas near power lines to proactively identify risks and address them before they impact customers. Consumers Energy emphasizes that tree growth, health, and distance from power lines guide every decision, especially as stronger storms increase the likelihood of tree-related outages and hazards.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Consumers Energy pairs this work with its <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4696430-1&amp;h=1530255572&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.michiganforestryandparkassociation.com%2Fconsumers-energy-tree-planting-grant&amp;a=Community+Street+%26+Boulevard+Tree+Planting+Grant+Program" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Community Street &amp; Boulevard Tree Planting Grant Program</a>, part of its &#34;Right Tree, Right Place&#34; initiative. The program, administered by the Michigan Forestry and Parks Association, helps municipalities plant appropriate tree species along public streets and boulevards in locations where they can thrive, limiting interference with power lines. The program is reimbursement-based and available to communities in Consumers Energy&#39;s electric service area, supporting projects completed within the calendar year.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Since 2017, Consumers Energy has invested more than $730,000 in tree planting grants, supporting nearly 5,500 trees planted across Michigan while avoiding species known to create future reliability or ecological concerns.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#34;We understand how much people value trees, and we share that commitment,&#34; Stewart said. &#34;Every decision we make is rooted in safety, reliability, and the long-term health of the tree. Line clearing and responsible tree planting go hand in hand, and by helping communities plant the right trees in the right places, we can preserve their beauty while reducing safety risks and strengthening electric service for our customers.&#34;</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">By combining more frequent monitoring, proactive line clearing, and long-term investment in community tree planting, Consumers Energy is working to build a safer, more reliable future to ensure that customers can count on us. Learn more about trees and power lines at ConsumersEnergy.com/Forestry.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Consumers Energy is Michigan&#39;s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state&#39;s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We are committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Learn more at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4696430-1&amp;h=3229617007&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.consumersenergy.com%2F&amp;a=ConsumersEnergy.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ConsumersEnergy.com</a>.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </p>



<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PURL"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" title="Cision" width="12" height="12" alt="Cision" src="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/img/favicon.png?sn=DE67781&amp;sd=2026-05-26"></img> View original content to download multimedia:<a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PRNURL" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumers-energy-expands-line-clearing-efforts-to-strengthen-reliability-and-safety-across-michigan-302781930.html" target="_blank">https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumers-energy-expands-line-clearing-efforts-to-strengthen-reliability-and-safety-across-michigan-302781930.html</a></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SOURCE Consumers Energy</p>

Consumers Energy Expands Line Clearing Efforts to Strengthen Reliability and Safety Across Michigan

Consumers Energy expands line clearing to strengthen Michigan grid reliability

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Right Trees in the Right Places Promote Long-Term Reliability and SafetyJACKSON, Mich., May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is expanding its line clearing efforts, with crews working across more than 9,000</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Consumers Energy will expand line clearing across more than 9,000 miles to improve reliability and safety. The program targets tree-related outages (about 40% of interruptions) and pairs proactive monitoring with community tree-planting grants under its Right Tree, Right Place initiative. The move supports CMS Energy&#039;s long-term grid resilience and stable cash flows.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Consumers Energy expands line clearance to 9,000+ miles. Aims to improve reliability.</li><li>Tree-related outages account for ~40% of interruptions. Monitors target prevention.</li><li>Right Tree, Right Place grants support community planting. Since 2017, $730k invested for 5,500 trees.</li><li>CMS Energy&#039;s Consumers unit emphasizes safety and reliability. Investments focus on proactive monitoring.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>CMS Energy Corp (CMS)</strong>: Parent company; benefits from grid reliability investments and regulated earnings growth.</li><li><strong>Consumers Energy (N/A)</strong>: Subsidiary implementing line-clearing expansion; impact on CMS&#039;s consolidated results via O&amp;M/capex.</li><li><strong>Michigan Forestry and Parks Association (N/A)</strong>: Administers the grant program; operates as an industry partner with limited direct market impact.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>Industry News: Highlights utility asset-management, grid resilience, and community programs; aligns with CMS Energy&#039;s reliability strategy and stakeholder engagement.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Near-term O&amp;M/capex rise from line clearance could press margins.</li><li>Reliability improvements could support stable revenue and rate recovery prospects.</li><li>Weather variability drives outage risk and cash-flow swings.</li><li>Grant program visibility may boost stakeholder goodwill and regulatory sentiment.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>9,000+ miles of lines targeted this year.</li><li>Tree-related outages account for ~40% of interruptions.</li><li>Right Tree, Right Place grants program is reimbursement-based.</li><li>Since 2017, over $730,000 invested in grants.</li><li>Nearly 5,500 trees planted due to the program.</li><li>Consumers Energy serves 6.8 million residents across 68 counties in Michigan.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Over the long term, CMS benefits from improved reliability; earnings visibility may rise over 12–24 months.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="prntac"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Right Trees in the Right Places Promote Long-Term Reliability and Safety</i></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">JACKSON, Mich.</span>, <span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">May 26, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is expanding its line clearing efforts, with crews working across more than 9,000 miles of power lines this year to secure the power grid and protect public safety across Michigan.</p>
    <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="PRN_ImbeddedAssetReference" id="DivAssetPlaceHolder1">
                <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
                        <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/326177/Consumers_Energy_Logo.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">
                    <img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" src="https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/326177/Consumers_Energy_Logo.jpg" title="Consumers Energy Logo (PRNewsFoto/Consumers Energy)" alt="Consumers Energy Logo (PRNewsFoto/Consumers Energy)"></img>
                        </a>
                </p>
    </div>
<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Trees and limbs remain the leading cause of outages, accounting for nearly 40% of all service interruptions. With more frequent and severe weather, preventative maintenance line clearing is essential to limit safety risks that can happen when trees and limbs come in contact with power lines and to secure the grid to keep the power on.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#34;The goal of our work is to reduce power outages and help protect our neighbors by keeping a safe distance between vegetation, power lines, and equipment&#34; said Sara Stewart, Consumers Energy&#39;s director of forestry operations. &#34;By monitoring and clearing more frequently, we are staying ahead of risks and helping the electric system better withstand extreme weather.&#34;</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Consumers Energy is increasing how often it monitors areas near power lines to proactively identify risks and address them before they impact customers. Consumers Energy emphasizes that tree growth, health, and distance from power lines guide every decision, especially as stronger storms increase the likelihood of tree-related outages and hazards.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Consumers Energy pairs this work with its <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4696430-1&amp;h=1530255572&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.michiganforestryandparkassociation.com%2Fconsumers-energy-tree-planting-grant&amp;a=Community+Street+%26+Boulevard+Tree+Planting+Grant+Program" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Community Street &amp; Boulevard Tree Planting Grant Program</a>, part of its &#34;Right Tree, Right Place&#34; initiative. The program, administered by the Michigan Forestry and Parks Association, helps municipalities plant appropriate tree species along public streets and boulevards in locations where they can thrive, limiting interference with power lines. The program is reimbursement-based and available to communities in Consumers Energy&#39;s electric service area, supporting projects completed within the calendar year.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Since 2017, Consumers Energy has invested more than $730,000 in tree planting grants, supporting nearly 5,500 trees planted across Michigan while avoiding species known to create future reliability or ecological concerns.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#34;We understand how much people value trees, and we share that commitment,&#34; Stewart said. &#34;Every decision we make is rooted in safety, reliability, and the long-term health of the tree. Line clearing and responsible tree planting go hand in hand, and by helping communities plant the right trees in the right places, we can preserve their beauty while reducing safety risks and strengthening electric service for our customers.&#34;</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">By combining more frequent monitoring, proactive line clearing, and long-term investment in community tree planting, Consumers Energy is working to build a safer, more reliable future to ensure that customers can count on us. Learn more about trees and power lines at ConsumersEnergy.com/Forestry.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Consumers Energy is Michigan&#39;s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state&#39;s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. We are committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy to our customers 24/7.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Learn more at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4696430-1&amp;h=3229617007&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.consumersenergy.com%2F&amp;a=ConsumersEnergy.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ConsumersEnergy.com</a>.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </p>



<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PURL"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" title="Cision" width="12" height="12" alt="Cision" src="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/img/favicon.png?sn=DE67781&amp;sd=2026-05-26"></img> View original content to download multimedia:<a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PRNURL" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumers-energy-expands-line-clearing-efforts-to-strengthen-reliability-and-safety-across-michigan-302781930.html" target="_blank">https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/consumers-energy-expands-line-clearing-efforts-to-strengthen-reliability-and-safety-across-michigan-302781930.html</a></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SOURCE Consumers Energy</p>

Consumers Energy will expand line clearing across more than 9,000 miles to improve reliability and safety. The program targets tree-related outages (about 40% of interruptions) and pairs proactive monitoring with community tree-planting grants under its Right Tree, Right Place initiative. The move supports CMS Energy's long-term grid resilience and stable cash flows.

Consumers Energy Expands Line Clearing Efforts to Strengthen Reliability and Safety Across Michigan

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Industry News

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