8-KRegulation FDExhibits & Filings

CMS ENERGY CORP 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (May 27, 2010)

Filed May 27, 2010For Securities:CMSCMS-PCCMSACMSCCMSD

Summary

CMS Energy Corporation (CMS) filed an 8-K on May 27, 2010, to disclose a significant operational decision by its principal subsidiary, Consumers Energy. Consumers Energy announced the deferral of its planned 830-megawatt clean coal power plant, originally slated for operation in 2017. This decision is attributed to a confluence of factors impacting electricity demand and market conditions. The primary drivers for deferring the project include reduced customer electricity demand stemming from the recession, anticipated lower natural gas prices due to advancements in shale gas recovery, and an expected surplus of generating capacity in the Midwest market. CMS Energy also indicated that a more detailed update on Consumers Energy's Balanced Energy Initiative would be provided on the same day, with a presentation and webcast available.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consumers Energy is deferring the development of an 830-megawatt clean coal power plant planned for 2017 operation.
  • 2The deferral is driven by decreased customer electricity demand due to the recession.
  • 3Forecasted lower natural gas prices, influenced by shale gas recovery technology, are a key factor.
  • 4Projected surplus generating capacity in the Midwest market also contributed to the decision.
  • 5CMS Energy provided additional information via a news release and a presentation on May 27, 2010.
  • 6The company is referring investors to its 10-K and 10-Q filings for detailed risk factors and forward-looking statement context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consumers Energy is deferring the project due to reduced customer demand for electricity caused by the recession, anticipated lower natural gas prices from shale gas recovery, and projected excess generating capacity in the Midwest market.

The clean coal power plant was planned to be in operation by 2017.

More information can be found in the CMS Energy News Release (Exhibit 99.1) and the CMS Energy presentation (Exhibit 99.2) filed with this Form 8-K. A webcast of the presentation was also made available on the CMS Energy website.

This 8-K filing primarily addresses a strategic operational decision. For detailed financial information and associated risks, investors should refer to CMS Energy's and Consumers Energy's 10-K and 10-Q filings, which are referenced in the report.