CONNECT - Consumers Energy
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
CONNECT May 2019
Meet the Six Dams
along the Au Sable River
Canoe Marathon Route
This Issue
Delivering Robotics Revolution: Breaking Down the Bright Future Remembering
Hometown Service Supporting the Breakthrough Goals Gas Plant Our Fallen
On & Off the Job Next Generation of Competitive Price Redemption Work Co-workers
Michigan Talent in
STEM
Pic of the May is...
National Pet Month
Captions
Month
*Dennis Boley
Summer Theme I almost caught your drone, but this
Vacation Memories landing is going to hurt!
Submit photos with a caption to 1. Alycia Tolman
We supply the theme, you submit the photo. Jodie.Solari@cmsenergy.com by June 28. My ride or die.
2. Sarah Paterson
When Archer met Maggie.
3. Leslie Wilhelm
Buddy wonders if he got a hole in one.
4 7 4. Debra Knight
Skye delivers hometown service.
5. Molly Pardini
Maximilian loves spending summer days in
his Consumers Energy hammock.
6. Samantha O’rourke
The cutest Ying Yang sign you will ever see!
Diablo and Cruella being villains.
7. Noah Van Alstyne
Gertrude wishing me a happy and safe day
at work!
8. Terry Knapp
Smiling Faces: Bearded Dragon Spike and
his buddy, CE Man.
9. Kylee Maycroft
Safety First!
* 1
2 View all submissions here
5 8 6 9 3
May Connect 2 May Connect 3
Foote Dam Five Channels
33 Savvy paddlers aiming for a strong finish at the Au Not far below Loud Dam is the fourth portage on the
Sable River Canoe Marathon incorporate strategies Marathon, Five Channels – so named because the Au
Mio to deal with stiff winds and waves that are often Sable River contained five distinct channels where the
McKinley Road encountered in the water behind Foote Dam, the dam was built. Race teams begin arriving at this site
F 32
sixth and final portage along the route. about 7:45 a.m. Five Channels is listed on the National
It is named for William A. Foote, founder Register of Historical Places because the camp used
72 South River Road of Consumers Energy. Race teams begin by workers building the facility served as a model for
arriving at this site about 10 a.m. worker camps during construction of the Panama
Foote Dam provides spectators a Canal. Five Channels provides significant race viewing
33 great opportunity to view the race opportunities at the canoe portage and the old M-65
from the recently renovated bridge. Parking and standing on the new M-65 bridge
Foote Tailwater recreation site. is not allowed. Parking for spectators is possible on
Construction was completed both the south side and north side of the river and a
Au
Meet the Six Dams
in 1918 and has a 9 little walking may be required.
Sa
65
ble
megawatt capacity. Five Channels Dam construction was completed in
Ro
1912 and has a 6 megawatt capacity.
ad
along the Au Sable River
Canoe Marathon Route Alcona
Bamfield Road
Terry DeDoes
Consumers Energy has been integral to the Au Sable Alcona Dam
River Canoe Marathon over the decades. Race teams begin arriving at Alcona Dam, the second
To fans, the dams provide convenient locations portage, about 5:30 a.m. The reservoir behind Alcona
along the river to view the action and cheer on the Dam is known for its thick fog, and the sun rising about 65
competitors. the time the racers reach this destination is a welcome
To competitors, the dams are destinations to mark sight, as it begins burning off the fog and signals the
progress, stretch their legs and accept much-needed end of a long night of paddling. Bissonette Road
snacks and drinks from friendly volunteers. Racers also Alcona Dam construction was completed in 1924 and Loud
recognize each dam has unique characteristics that has an 8 megawatt capacity. The plant was originally
influence paddling strategies that can make or break named Bamfield Dam after a nearby road. Five Channels
finishing times.
Loud Dam Cooke Foote
Mio Dam Loud Dam is the third portage along the Marathon
65
With the downhill sprint and splashy launch of their route. Race teams begin arriving at this site about 7:20
canoes in Grayling during daylight a fading memory a.m. The river hydro plant is named after Ed Loud, a West
that has given way to a cadence of powerful paddle River Ro
local lumber baron who owned much of the land along ad
strokes and darkness, canoe marathoners are relieved
Monument Road
the Au Sable River from Grayling to Oscoda. Consumers East River Road
to reach Mio Dam. Energy purchased the property directly from Mr. Loud.
At this first portage, they get the welcomed Loud Dam construction was completed in 1913 and
opportunity to walk, run, stretch and get energized has a 4 megawatt capacity.
from the roaring greetings from appreciative fans.
Mio Dam recreation sites located on both sides of the Cooke Dam
river immediately downstream of the dam provide Cooke Dam is listed on the National Register of
spectators multiple locations to view the race. Historical Places for holding the world record at the
Mio Dam construction was completed in 1916 and time for voltage and distance transmission, as it
has a 4 megawatt capacity. The plant, recognized as transmitted 140,000 volts for 125 miles to Flint, Mich.
Help Make it a Dam Success
a State Historical Site, was the first dam to utilize a Named for the banker who helped finance the project, Now that you know what each Dam has to offer, come
conduit, or under sluice spillway. Race teams begin Andrew Cooke, it is the fifth of six portages along the and experience it in person! Volunteers are needed July
arriving at the site at approximately 3:15 a.m. Marathon route. Race teams begin arriving at this 26-28 to help make the 72nd Au Sable River Canoe
site about 8:45 a.m. Cooke Dam provides ample race Marathon a success! There are a range of activities
viewing opportunities. Cooke Dam construction was available, including set-up, parking, crowd monitoring,
completed in 1911 and has a 6 megawatt capacity. merchandise sales, tear-down and more. Contact Carrie
Schneider to sign up.
May Connect 4 May Connect 5
As he watched the fire continue to spread he noticed the stairs.
Employees Deliver Hometown lights on inside the house. That’s when he realized he
had to do something.
The customer and
Galbraith went to
the furnace in the
Service On and Off the Job
“I parked in a neighbor’s driveway and looked for basement; he heard
downed wires; once I realized the scene was safe I it run but didn’t hear
knocked on the front door and a man jumped up from anything unusual or
the couch,” Huffman said. “It was late at night so it took concerning.
Jodie Solari a little convincing to get him to trust me and evacuate.”
The customer
When the State Police arrived to the scene, Huffman reiterated that she
A confused senior citizen couldn’t pay her bill. directed them to the homeowner and then headed to heard the noise
work at Karn. Later that evening the police officer called when she was
Becca listened and got her help. Huffman. upstairs at her
computer. When
A house was on fire. Patrick knocked to alert the her high bill. “This call was different because she was in Galbraith went
homeowner. distress,” said Newman. “She opened up to me about upstairs he did hear
feeling hopeless and talked about suicide. I wanted to the slight humming
An elderly man fell and was bleeding. DJ and Julie make sure I got her help with more than just her bills,” noise the customer Curt Galbraith, ASP
Contractor Field Leader
stopped to help. she said. Newman was able to assist the customer with described and found
her bill and also connect her with an agency that makes a spray paint can lid
An Appliance Service Plan (ASP) customer had several daily wellness calls to the customer just to check in and in the sump pump
concerns. Curt took the time to address them. chat with her. that was forcing it to run unnecessarily. After removing
the lid, the noise stopped. While at the residence,
Time after time we receive reports of our co-workers Newman is thankful the Gatekeeper program allowed Galbraith also noticed her integrated smoke alarms
doing more than what is required. They do what’s right. her to not only help the customer with her bill but also were beeping and took the time to replace the batteries.
It doesn’t matter if it is during work hours or after their assist her with the other issues she was experiencing.
shift is complete. They make sure our neighbors and Galbraith learned the customer had lost her son,
customers are safe. “Gatekeeper is a great program,” said Newman. “We husband and mother in quick succession and was
could be the only person in a month that someone talks having a hard time managing day-to-day. Galbraith left
Gatekeeper of the Year to; we don’t know their personal situation or who they his contact information and offered to come back any
have to talk to so it’s important that we can help them.” time to help the customer move the furniture or other
Recently, Becca Newman, a Customer Service
“He informed me that I had more than likely saved the items. After leaving the customer’s home, Galbraith
Representative in Alma, was recognized as Gatekeeper
of the Year for a referral she placed after speaking to an First Aid Assistance gentleman’s life as the homeowner stated he wouldn’t submitted a Gatekeeper referral to raise awareness
have woken up in time,” said Huffman. of the customer’s situation and hopefully get her the
elderly customer who had originally called in concerning Julianne Winoweicki-Mar and Darrian (DJ) Reed were
assistance she needs.
driving in the Pontiac area when DJ saw an older gen-
Huffman credits his company training and work
tleman bleeding on the ground. They turned around
experience for feeling prepared to jump in and The extra time Galbraith spent with the customer
and stopped to help him. A woman had already called
potentially save a life. allowed her to feel safe in her home again. You might
911 when they arrived.
be able to put a price on most appliance repairs, but
“My wire guard and meter reading training allowed allowing someone to feel safe is priceless.
“He tripped over a trash can and hit his head,” said
me to assess the situation and verify my safety,” said
Reed. “I grabbed the first aid kit from the car and Julie
Huffman. “My experiences from Karn allowed me to We commend Becca, Patrick, Julianne, DJ, Curt and all
helped stop the bleeding until the EMS arrived.” DJ said
think quickly through a stressful situation and make our co-workers who go above and beyond to deliver
it wasn’t a question whether they would stop and help
sound judgements. If I didn’t have the training and hometown service. But you don’t have to wait for a
him. “He needed help, it was the right thing to do.”
experience that I’ve received from Consumers Energy, I phone call, a burning building or a bleeding person to
probably would have been watching from the parking be a hero. You can submit customer service inquiries for
Call 911, Then Help If Safe
lot with the rest of the crowd,” he said. a friend, family member or person in the grocery store
Patrick Huffman, Auxiliary Operator at Karn I-IV, was 24/7 using the WeCare form.
heading to work when he saw a house on fire. More Than A Housecall
Curt Galbraith, ASP Contractor Field Leader, responded The customer is contacted within two business days and
“I pulled over and noticed a group of people watching the issue is resolved within 10 business days. WeCare
to a customer’s home to address a noise coming from
Gatekeeper of the Year, Becca the fire; I called 911 and gave the coordinates of the can be accessed at ConsumersEnergy.com/WECare.
Newman and Team Leader, her furnace. He found the home to be very cluttered and
Tarah Wilson. fire,” said Huffman.
unsafe, including a few large pieces of furniture blocking
May Connect 6 May Connect 7
Why it’s breakthrough How to learn more
Breaking Down the Unlike other annual goals, the competitive price
breakthrough goal spans three years, requiring us to
make sound decisions now and over time that will
Visit the “Learning” area of Workforce Connect and
take the on-demand Introduction to Rates and
Customers’ Perception of Price course. In just 30
Breakthrough Goals:
lower rates and bills by 2022. minutes, you’ll have a better understanding of:
• The regulated utility business model
Where we stand • The role and value of regulation
As of April 2019, we’re red on the industrial rates • The Michigan Public Service Commission’s
Competitive Price
component and green on residential and commercial purpose and roles
components. To help ensure sound decision making • How our rates are set
now to achieve breakthrough results in 2022, the • Our costs to serve customers
Rates and Regulatory Affairs team is analyzing: • How employee roles impact our rates and the
• Our history: Understanding how past decisions value we provide customers
and critical factors may have influenced
higher than average rates and bills for
customers.
• The decision-making process: Leveraging
Brian Barthelmes past and present issues and lessons
learned to help cultivate favorable
outcomes by 2022.
When we’re shopping for • Measuring our progress: Establishing
leading indicators to help us understand
a service provider, price is progress toward the goal.
often important. What you can do to help
Whether in the field or in the office, make
For example, when choosing a cable company or a and meet commitments and apply the CE
high-speed internet provider, we want maximum Way. From efficiently restoring power after a
value for the price we’re willing to pay. storm to installing an industrial customer’s
That’s the purpose of our competitive price electric infrastructure, doing what you say
breakthrough goal. We want to ensure we’re you’ll do and approaching every job with
maximizing value for our customers’ energy dollars safety, quality, cost and delivery in mind
and competing effectively for new and expanding ensures cost savings and has the power to
businesses. improve customers’ price-to-value perception.
Defining the Competitive Price
Breakthrough Goal
Keep industrial electric rates flat and keep
residential and commercial electric bills at or
below the Energy Information Agency (EIA)
Midwest average by 2022.
Why it matters to our customers
• Residential and commercial customers assess Download the 2019
our value – what they’re getting for the price
they’re paying – as they do with cable, internet
and other service providers. Working to keep bills
Sustainability Report
at or below average enhances their price-value
perception.
• Keeping industrial rates flat helps ensure
industrial customers – and the jobs and
investment they create – locate, stay and expand
in Michigan over other states or countries with
more competitive rates.
May Connect 8 May Connect 9
BrightFuture
St. Johns site slated for manufactured
gas plant remediation work
Todd Schulz
This month, we plan to begin operating by the 1960s when they
cleaning up the site of a former were rendered obsolete by the rise
manufactured gas plant in St. of natural gas.
Johns, north of Lansing. The goal of the St. Johns project is
The project is part of our broader to remove about 40,000 cubic yards
effort to protect the environment of impacted soil from the site. This
by remediating the sites of our 23 work will include safely demolishing
former manufactured gas plants buildings, removing vegetation and
in Michigan in accordance with debris, and excavating soil that will
state regulations. Work is scheduled be transported to a state-approved
to begin in May and finish in late landfill. We’ll also properly manage
summer or early fall. water that accumulates in
“This work fits with our larger the excavation.
commitment to caring for people, We’re working with community
the planet and Michigan’s leaders and landowners impacted
This work
prosperity,” said Heather Prentice, by the work to minimize fits with
director of Environmental inconvenience while completing the our larger
Compliance, Risk Management and project safely.
Governance. “We want to complete “Safety is our top priority,” Prentice commitment
this project safely and to leave it said. “Nothing is more important to caring for
better than we found it.” than protecting the public, the
Until the mid-20th century, environment and our employees. We
people, the
manufactured gas was a powerful are taking numerous steps to ensure planet and
source of energy that lit street the health and safety of the public
lamps across America and helped and our co-workers are protected
Michigan’s
millions heat homes and cook during the remediation activities.” prosperity.
meals. Heating coal in industrial The former manufactured gas Heather Prentice,
ovens was generally the plant in St. Johns operated between Director of Environmental
method to produce and capture 1887 and 1934. The property was Compliance, Risk
manufactured gas. then owned and occupied by the Management and
Unfortunately, today’s FC Mason Manufacturing Company Governance
environmental standards were not for many decades. When the work
in place and the process created is complete, plans call for the site
byproducts such as coal tar that can to provide parking for an adjoining
contaminate soil and groundwater. Brownfield redevelopment.
Manufactured gas plants stopped
May Connect 10 May Connect 11
Robotics Revolution:
Supporting the To learn how you can get involved
next generation of
with a local team at any level, visit
www.ConsumersEnergy.com/robotics.
Are the efforts paying off? Last year,
Michigan Talent in STEM Consumers Energy hosted schools
from Saginaw and Jackson counties
at the FIRST Championship in Detroit
to see the best robotics teams in
Dan Gretzner
the world compete. Students from
Michigan Center schools were among
FIRST Robotics promotes its international high school programs that group.
as the “only sport where every kid can go pro.” And Consumers This year, the MC Hammers of
Energy and many Michigan universities are counting on that. Patti Poppe, welcoming all the international teams to Detroit, like Renaissance Robotics from Ontario, Canada.
From the right: Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Deb Dingell and Michigan State Representative Padma Kuppa. Michigan Center qualified as a rookie
team to compete in Detroit. With 12
We are passionate about FIRST Robotics because than any other state – the competition is intense of 16 students only freshman, the
“Our mission is to ensure every kid across the state team was a Cinderella story of sorts – wearing shiny
the state needs employees with the skills robotics and the atmosphere is supercharged at every level
in every school has the opportunity to participate gold pants and all. Yes, the future is bright in Michigan
competitions teach—from manufacturing and as teams like the ThunderChickens, Riveters and
in FIRST Robotics,” said LeeRoy Wells Jr., a board robotics.
engineering to marketing and communications. Fighting Pi perfect their STEM skills in science,
member of FIRST in Michigan and Vice President of
technology, engineering and math.
Operations Support. “It’s a great opportunity to teach
“FIRST is great for students because it engages
STEM, and when the kids graduate from
them outside the traditional classroom setting,” Each year introduces a different theme and game to
FIRST, they’re really career ready.”
said Roger Curtis, Vice President of Public Affairs. “It the robotics arena. The 2019 season commemorated
allows them to apply their classroom learning into the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with
From encouraging mentors and coaches
a fun, real-world project. Even if FIRST participants Destination: Deep Space. Similar to traditional
to sponsoring teams, robotics roots run
don’t end up in a STEM career, they’re going to be sports, robotics teams compete at the district, state
deep at Consumers Energy. In 2018, the
more successful because they’re learning great job and national level in front of large crowds. And this
Consumers Energy Foundation contributed
and life skills such as teamwork, communication and year, CEO Patti Poppe was front and center at every
more than $450,000 to support STEM
critical thinking.” stop.
programs, including FIRST teams at
elementary, middle and high school levels
With over 500 robotics teams in Michigan – more We sponsored the districts at Jackson Northwest
across the state. Poppe also chaired the
High School, March 21-23, were a major sponsor at
local Michigan Executive Committee for
the state championship in Saginaw, April 10-13, and
the Detroit championship, and employee
a sponsor at the FIRST Championship in Detroit,
volunteers supported the committee and
April 24-27. The Detroit competition drew about
competition.
40,000 people from 37 countries.
The company is already making plans to Brett Beatty, a lineworker in
Poppe attended all three FIRST events with charge and military veteran,
sponsor events next year as the FIRST mentors the Galesburg
company STEM and robotics programming lead
Championship returns to Detroit. The Augusta Robotic Rams Team
Monique Wells. Poppe was a fan favorite as she 5623 with his wife and 3 boys.
2020 season theme is Star Wars: Force for
introduced teams before matches and pumped up
Change.
the crowds with her Consumers Energy Cheer.
From left, Kyle McCree, Flint Community Affairs
Manager, reunites with former high school calc
teacher, Jean Herta (middle), who also mentors
Team 5150 from Flint Kearsley. VP LeeRoy Wells
Jr., right, also has Genesee County roots as an
alum of Flint Southwestern.
May Connect 12 May Connect 13
Robotics FF THE CLOCK
Mike Bostwick and Mary Mortiere
Built a
Foundation
for Mom
and Son
Tom Lambert
Tears rolled down the cheeks of Annette Carpenter as she
flashed back on the last five years that were suddenly over.
It was the end of an era near and dear to her heart. the hundreds of hours she volunteered aiding her son
Her son Alex, 18, was participating in his last FIRST with his passion projects.
Robotics competition – against the best in the world in Carpenter, an Administrative Department Specialist
Tom Lambert
Detroit, April 24-27. About 40,000 people from around with the Generation Engineering Department with an
“It’s become a fun hobby,” she
the globe attended the event, which was held at Cobo
Center and Ford Field.
office at the J.H. Campbell Generating Complex, said
both mother and son learned a great deal from the
For most people, May 4th comes and said. “I’m thankful that I found it. It’s
She reflected on the thousands of miles traveling to
and from events, the food she cooked for the team and
experience.
“This program changes kids’ lives,” said Carpenter
goes without much fanfare. something I plan on doing for a long
time.” She is currently working on a
who has been with Consumers Energy for 14 years. “And third costume from “Rogue One: A
It’s just another spring day on the and looking like life-size action fig-
that’s what it’s meant to do, it prepares them for the Star Wars Story.”
calendar. But to the legions of die- ures,” said Bostwick, a Senior Design
real world.” Bostwick said that while he enjoys
hard fans of the cult classic “Star Technician who has been with the
Carpenter has earned $1,400 in Volunteer Invest- costuming at comic-cons, movie
Wars,” it’s a holiday like no other. company for 27 years. “The reason
ment Program (VIP) grants – a contribution from the premieres, and other fun occasions,
Mike Bostwick and Mary Mortiere, why they look so real is that we
Consumers Energy Foundation – for the FIRST Robotics he finds the charity events and
who work out of the Flint Service have a vetting process – we have to
Team at West Ottawa High School. She is one of more visiting sick children in hospitals the
Center, take it a step further – follow strict costume guidelines so
than a dozen employees to receive VIP grants for FIRST most rewarding.
dressing up in their realistic Star we look as if we’ve just stepped off a
Robotics programs. “It can be heart-warming and
Wars costumes. They are members movie set.”
Robotics showcases the STEM fields in science, heart-wrenching at the same time,”
of the 501st and Rebel Legions, Mortiere, who works in the Low
technology, engineering and math, but it also highlights said Bostwick, who dresses as a
respectively. Voltage Distribution (LVD) Planning
business, communications, safety and more. Michigan Snowtrooper. “This gives kids a
This “May the 4th” they were Department, said she got hooked
has over 500 high school robotics teams – more than chance, if only for a moment, to think
scheduled to be at Comerica Park – on dressing up as a Jedi while
any other state. In 2018, our foundation contributed about something else besides tubes,
home of the Detroit Tigers, to revel planning for her brother’s Star Wars
more than $450,000 for FIRST Robotics and STEM pro- medication or needles. I am glad that
in the day with their fellow Star themed wedding.
grams at elementary, middle and high schools across my costume has a helmet that covers
Wars junkies. Her preferred costume, though, is
Michigan. my face and hides my emotions.”
“We take pride in our costumes that of an X-wing pilot.
Off the Clock features unique hobbies, second jobs and volunteer
commitments of our employees when they aren’t fulfilling their
Consumers Energy roles. To be featured in an upcoming segment,
May Connect 14 May Connect 15 email Jodie.Solari@cmsenergy.com
Remembering Our Fallen Co-Workers A CMS Memorial shirt
was created to honor our
fallen co-workers and to
Sarah Paterson serve as a reminder of
our commitment to one
On May 8, we united as one company to recognize our first annual CMS Memorial company, one purpose,
In addition, an interactive version of our memorial
Day to honor our 208 co-workers who lost their lives in service for our company. one safety culture. The
poster was created to help keep the memories alive.
By clicking on an underlined name, you can open a shirts are 100% cotton,
As part of the day of remembrance, a traveling The wall will be transported around the company American and Union-
biography page for individuals. If you have something
memorial wall was unveiled to the teams in Traverse over the next few years, giving every co-worker an
you would like to add to a biography, please email PO made and sewn. They are
City and at the Genesee Power Station, which each opportunity to visit and pay their respects.
experienced a loss last year. Along with employees
Box: Corporate Communications. available at-cost through
from Boyne City, Benzie and Cadillac, the Traverse City In Genesee, our one company – one safety culture was the Count on Us store.
The most critical thing we can do to honor those who
event was attended by the families of Jim Farrington, reinforced. “When we lost Travis Wilson on June 14, all
made the ultimate sacrifice for our company is to
Jeff Creel and Jamie Rus, who expressed gratitude of us were shaken. It doesn’t matter if you work for
learn from the incidents, recommit to safety and never
for keeping their loved ones part of the safety CMS Enterprises or Consumers Energy – we’re all part
forget our fallen co-workers.
conversation. of the CMS Energy family,” said DV Rao, Senior Vice
President of Strategy.
“It is our job to never let ourselves, our colleagues, and
even our future co-workers, forget about these 208 “I believe this is the most impactful thing I have been
May Retirees
lives. We owe it to them and their friends and families,” a part of at our company. It’s a true testament to
Garrick Rochow, Senior Vice President of Operations our joint safety program and I’m proud and honored
told the Traverse City audience. “We intentionally to have been involved,” said Les Wutka. “I would
Congratulations to all the May 2019 retirees.
designed the memorial wall without room for additions encourage every co-worker to go out and see it – you
– we are drawing a line in the sand to say never again.” don’t get the magnitude until you’re in front of it.”
Check out Connect each month for a link to a list of retirees.
Connect is designed by Libby Buckland, published by
Corporate Communications and distributed to CMS Energy
and Consumers Energy employees. If you have comments
or news items, email Jodie Solari. May Connect 16 May Connect 17
You can also read
