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Celebrating Women in STEM on International Day

On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we take the opportunity to honor the vital contributions made by women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This day is particularly significant as it sheds light on the remarkable achievements of women in various fields, emphasizing their critical roles in shaping the future of industries such as energy.

Consumers Energy's Commitment to Reliability

At Consumers Energy, Michigan's premier energy provider, the influence of women in STEM is palpable across the organization. The company serves 6.8 million residents in the state's 68 Lower Peninsula counties, with a commitment to offering reliable, clean, and affordable energy. This includes innovations and infrastructure improvements which are essential for ensuring that power supply meets the state's growing demands, especially with the increasing focus on sustainability.

One standout example of this commitment is Casey Ehlert, a lead chemical technician who has dedicated over a decade to the Lab Service Group at Consumers Energy. Initially aspiring to be a science teacher, Casey found her true calling within the lab, where her passion for science has yielded impactful results.

Casey Ehlert's Crucial Role

Since joining the company in 2012, Casey’s work has been pivotal in ensuring compliance with environmental standards across Consumers Energy’s generation sites. Performing 90% of the lab's analytical testing, she plays an essential role in enabling consistent power generation — a task that directly affects the wellbeing of countless Michiganders.

"The emergent work I do includes environmental compliance testing at all Consumers Energy generation sites," Casey states. Her responsibilities are crucial for maintaining the integrity of energy production, which supports critical sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing. "I take the 'Count on Us' slogan seriously because our reliability underpins the lives of many."

Promoting Efficiency and Sustainability

Casey's leadership extends beyond her lab responsibilities; she actively ensures that field operations run smoothly, contributing to projects that align with Consumers Energy's Reliability Roadmap. This roadmap outlines key initiatives focused on modernization, infrastructure enhancements, and environmental justice — all aimed at fortifying the energy grid and improving service delivery.

Her exemplary dedication not only contributes to smoother operations but also helps reduce the average downtime experienced by customers, which dropped by over 20 minutes in the past year, reflecting significant improvements in service reliability.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As we celebrate this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, it is important to recognize how women like Casey serve as role models for future generations. Their achievements in STEM can inspire young girls to consider careers in fields often dominated by men, showing them that their contributions can lead to groundbreaking advancements in critical areas like energy.

Companies like Consumers Energy are actively fostering environments where women can thrive in STEM careers, ensuring that innovation and reliability remain at the forefront of the energy sector.

In a rapidly evolving industry, the role of women in STEM is indispensable, and recognizing their accomplishments today sets a precedent for continued progress in the future. By valuing the expertise and leadership of women in science and engineering, we pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable world.

For additional information on Consumers Energy and their initiatives, please visit their website at ConsumersEnergy.com. Follow them on social media to stay updated on community efforts and innovations:
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