CMS Energy Corporation - CMS STOCK NEWS

Consumers Energy has successfully removed long-retired electric cables and associated infrastructure from the Straits of Mackinac, enhancing safety and environmental integrity. The de-energized 46 kV cables, inactive since 1990, were extracted to mitigate risks after a reported tugboat anchor strike in 2018. The project, completed in five months, involved collaboration with environmental stakeholders and recycling efforts to offset costs. Consumers Energy remains committed to protecting Michigan's waterways, serving 6.7 million residents across the state.

Consumers Energy has committed $12 million to assist Michigan residents and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds aim to support approximately 25,000 households and 1,000 small businesses with their energy bills. This initiative is part of a broader effort, with over $16 million allocated since March for pandemic-related support. The company has suspended energy shut-offs and is providing resources to help customers. Looking ahead, consumers can expect to pay 20% less next year compared to a decade ago for natural gas.

Consumers Energy has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and a wildlife rehabilitator to provide a safe habitat for three orphaned whitetail deer fawns on its land in Southeast Michigan. The fawns, rescued from illegal captivity and vehicular accidents, were released into a remote area to minimize human interaction. The company has committed to continuing this environmental conservation effort by granting annual licenses for wildlife rehabilitation on its properties.

The Consumers Energy Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to Youth Opportunities Unlimited aimed at enhancing career readiness for 650 young adults in Southwest Michigan. This initiative will expand the Career Pathway Initiative in multiple counties, providing job training in high-demand fields. The grant is part of a larger $1.5 million allocation through the Foundation's People Awards. The Consumers Energy Foundation, Michigan's largest energy provider's charitable arm, contributed over $11.5 million to state nonprofits in 2019.

Consumers Energy employee Eric Florka survived a severe battle with COVID-19, spending 44 days hospitalized and losing 40 pounds. After recovering, he emphasizes the importance of protective measures like masking. Florka, who feels grateful for his life, urges others to heed health guidelines to prevent the virus's spread. He returned to full-time work and is committed to appreciating life daily. Consumers Energy serves 6.7 million Michigan residents, contributing to their welfare during the pandemic.

Consumers Energy is collaborating with Central Michigan University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to support the recovery of endangered snuffbox mussels in the Grand River. The project involves propagating mussels at Webber Dam, utilizing a unique system for the first time in Michigan. This effort includes adding larval mussels to fish hosts for growth before release, contributing to improved water quality. Snuffbox mussels, listed as endangered since 2012, are crucial for filtering contaminants in their habitat. Consumers Energy, the largest energy provider in Michigan, is pivotal in facilitating this initiative.

Consumers Energy has dispatched over 50 personnel to Indiana to aid in restoring power to more than 40,000 residents affected by severe storms. The team includes 15 crews from various Lower Michigan service centers, as well as 12 contractor crews. The collaboration with NIPSCO, Indiana's local energy provider, aims to repair extensive damage caused by hurricane-force winds. Approximately 33,000 Consumers Energy customers in Michigan were also impacted, with restoration expected for most by 10 p.m. on Aug. 11, 2020. Consumers Energy is a principal subsidiary of CMS, serving 6.7 million residents in Michigan.

On August 6, 2020, Consumers Energy, a subsidiary of CMS Energy, declared a quarterly dividend of $1.125 per share on its $4.50 preferred stock (NYSE: CMS_pb). The dividend will be payable on October 1, 2020, to shareholders of record by September 8, 2020. CMS Energy operates a significant electric and natural gas utility in Michigan alongside its independent power generation ventures, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to its shareholders.