[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 186 (Tuesday, December 6, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H8137]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY ON ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Walberg) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, it's my great honor to recognize and 
congratulate Consumers Energy Company on its 125th anniversary. On this 
day 125 years ago, Consumers Energy founders William A. Foote and 
Samuel Jarvis secured a street lighting franchise agreement with the 
city of Jackson, Michigan. What began as the illumination of a dozen 
streetlights has endured 125 years of change, growth, and service. 
Today, Consumers Energy delivers electricity and natural gas to 6.8 
million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 counties of the 
State's Lower Peninsula.
  For the past 125 years, Consumer Energy has operated under the 
timeless principle: provide customers with safe, reliable, and 
affordable energy service. This principle has played an integral role 
of improving the quality of life for generations of Michigan residents. 
It also has been responsible for the growth of businesses and 
industries which provide jobs for millions of the State's residents.
  Since its beginning in 1886, the goal of Consumers Energy was to 
deliver power to homes and businesses in cities, towns, villages and 
even the most rural areas. In 1927, the company installed Michigan's 
first rural power line, the 7-mile Mason-Dansville line, thereby 
bringing power to rural farms for the first time.
  Today, Consumers Energy continues a proud tradition as an industry 
and community leader. In celebration of its milestone anniversary, the 
company will award $125,000 each to 10 communities for a total of $1.25 
million for programs and services that will strengthen those 
communities and touch the lives of thousands of our citizens.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Consumers Energy's 125th anniversary and wishing them continued growth 
and success in the future.

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