OCTOBER 3, 2007

New pilot program to help
Consumers Energy manage large fleet

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced an innovative pilot program with Consumers Energy that helps the company manage its large vehicle fleet.

Called MiFleet, the program saves Consumers Energy the trouble of putting new registration tabs on its hundreds of vehicles across Michigan each year. Instead, the company receives special license plates with the word "Fleet" across the bottom. The plates do not require tabs and can only be attached to vehicles displaying Consumers Energy's name or logo.

"From Self-Service Stations and online renewals to weekend office hours and now fleet plates, we continue to make the convenience of customers our top priority," Land said. "With MiFleet, Consumers Energy can keep its registrations current for hundreds of vehicles spread across Michigan without having to put a tab on each one. This is a great example of helping Michigan companies so they can stay focused on being globally competitive."

The fleet plate program is expected to expand to all businesses that have large fleets and wish to participate once the Secretary of State's Office completes its ongoing technological upgrade. Michigan would be one of handful of states to offer fleet plates for businesses.

Once the full program begins operating, it will reduce the number of transactions conducted at branch offices resulting in faster service for other Secretary of State customers.

Jackson-based Consumers Energy is expected to have about 1,800 participating vehicles in the program.

Scott Weber, director of fleet operations for Consumers Energy, said that the company has been pleased to partner with the state on this project, as well as on a variety of licensing concepts.

"It's always exciting when collaboration and teamwork come together to provide benefits to both organizations," Weber said.

For more information about other department programs and services, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.