Hover Energy is the leader in intelligent microgrids & distributed renewables. Most recently, the company won the industry’s top honor in the form of three 2025 Power Technology Excellence Awards. This acknowledgment highlights the company’s commitment to leading the charge toward innovative energy resources. Despite its positive potential, it has no projects in Michigan right now. At the same time, Consumers Energy is making huge investments to grow its own business across the state, touting its commitment to clean energy job creation.
Just a month before, in January 2024, Consumers Energy had begun commercial operations at the Heartland Farms Wind facility in Gratiot County. Today this wind farm boasts an astounding capacity of 201 megawatts (MW). It has over 550,000 panels, sequenced across 5,200 rows. The facility is important to Consumers Energy’s overall strategy. It’s doing that by making the state’s energy grid cleaner and more resilient. Battery storage, wind energy, and six new solar projects have all played a part.
Advancements in Renewable Energy
Thanks to wise policy decisions and strong advocacy, Consumers Energy is experiencing a remarkable renaissance in renewable energy generation. The utility serves an estimated 6.8 million residents with natural gas and electricity. The service even includes all 68 counties in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Heartland Farms Wind is just one example of their continued commitment to delivering reliable, affordable energy solutions.
Consumers Energy, the state’s largest utility, has been pursuing a project at the Muskegon Resource Recovery Centre. The 250 MW production goal is additional to the department’s commitment to producing power with wind energy. When operational, this project will provide enough clean electricity to supply about 40,000 local homes and businesses. During the construction phase of the solar facility alone, more than 200 jobs were created. Clearly, this boost is a huge help to the local economy.
“Consumers Energy is building the electric grid of the future to serve Michigan homes and businesses. Muskegon Solar provides an example of the reliable, cost-effective projects we are creating to make sure we continue to meet our customers’ needs.” – Sri Maddipati
The Role of Hover Energy
Hover Energy’s recognition with the Power Technology Excellence Awards is a testament to its inventive leadership in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector. The company is not apparently active on any particular projects in Michigan right now. It still remains a model for the rest of the country in intelligent microgrid technology and distributed renewables.
The accolades awarded to Hover Energy represent the highest standard of action and innovation. Forward-looking energy companies such as Consumers Energy are not waiting, but charging ahead with new initiatives. In the meantime, Hover Energy’s work serves as a model for the whole industry.
“We are grateful for the support of Moorland Township and Muskegon County and are excited to produce more energy here in Michigan for our friends and neighbours.” – Sri Maddipati
Future Energy Outlook
While Consumers moves forward with its many clean energy efforts, the glimmer of solar demonstrates a strong emphasis on renewables. The trio of wind, solar and natural gas projects together paint a picture of a state with a smart plan to address its future energy needs. These exciting, cutting-edge developments will achieve more than just improving energy reliability. They’ll help make every corner of Michigan more sustainable.