Consumers Energy Celebrates Grand Opening of $3.7 Million Bad Axe Service Center
New Service Center Maintains 52-Year Commitment to Community;
Celebration Includes $1,000 Donation to Huron County SafePlace
Consumers Energy celebrated the dedication of its new $3.7 million, 7,076-square-foot Bad Axe Service Center at a ribbon-cutting event Dec. 11.
“Consumers Energy is proud to have been an integral part of the Bad Axe community for more than 52 years. This new environmentally friendly building reaffirms our commitment to providing safe, reliable natural gas service to homes and businesses in Huron County for years to come,” said Charles Crews, Consumers Energy vice president of gas operations.
During construction, Consumers Energy and its building contractors contributed to the local economy by creating about 175 skilled/professional jobs, including several local vendors who provided their expertise.
The company also further demonstrated its commitment to the communities it serves by donating $1,000 to the Huron County Safe Place women’s shelter at the event. “We are pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile organization that provides assistance to victims of domestic abuse,” Crews said.
The new building features a number of “green” attributes that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification according to environmental standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Located at 696 North Crescent St., the new service center replaces the company’s original service building at the same location. A total of 13,700 natural gas business and residential customers are served from the Bad Axe Service Center.
Crews noted the Bad Axe Service Center is part of a statewide 10-year building improvement plan being implemented by Consumers Energy to help ensure that existing and future customers continue to receive the most reliable natural gas and electric service possible.
Currently 10 Consumers Energy employees are based at the new service center. Positions include gas distribution, gas service, meter readers, facilities, storeroom and field management employees.
The Bad Axe Service Center follows Consumers Energy’s commitment to sustainability. This includes LEED features in the building’s design such as lighting, plumbing, heating/cooling and electric system, materials and resources.
Other features of the new building include:
Open office concept that encourages communication between work groups
Ergonomic workstations
One large crew/meeting room with state-of-the-art video conference capabilities
One small privacy room for meetings/conversations
Business center (mail, print, copy)
Storeroom
Weld shop
Consumers Energy, Michigan’s largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
Media Contacts: Debra Dodd, 586-918-0597, or Brian Wheeler, 517-788-2394
For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.
