Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 - Rejji Hayes - #MPC26

Chris Holman speaks with Rejji Hayes, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference. Chris Holman interviews Rejji Hayes, CFO of Consumers Energy, at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce's Mackinac Policy Conference at the Grand Hotel. Hayes discusses how intensifying weather and climate change are driving Consumers Energy's upcoming reliability action plan, including pole replacement, tree trimming, and a push toward undergrounding infrastructure where feasible. He highlights the company's affordability efforts, noting energy efficiency programs have saved customers $8.5 billion since 2009 (with $18 billion projected by 2050), alongside a major renewable energy buildout of about 11 gigawatts over the next 15-20 years. Hayes also addresses data centers, arguing they're net positive for the state despite their above-ground infrastructure needs, since they pay premium rates that lower costs for other customers, use minimal water, and generate construction jobs and tax revenue. » Visit MBN website: http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: http://www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: http://twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/