GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For the nineteenth straight year, Consumers Energy has been awarded a National Electric Utility Award from the National Association of Town Watch for its participation in the "National Night Out" (NNO) crime and drug prevention program. Consumers Energy is the only utility in the country that received recognition for its participation in the 29^th annual event.

The utility hosted activities at its Grand Rapids service center on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 from 5-9 a.m. The event featured radio and television broadcasts with local law enforcement agencies and media personalities to promote awareness of local drug and crime prevention programs.

"Companies such as Consumers Energy enable us to reach more and more communities with National Night Out each year," said Matt A. Peskin, executive director for the National Association of Town Watch. "We are pleased to once again honor Consumers Energy with a national award and we are proud to have it involved in this powerful, community-building campaign."

Consumers Energy representatives and local organizers distributed CFL light bulbs and refreshments to Grand Rapids area residents. Governmental leaders and law enforcement officials from Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Rockford, Walker, Wyoming and the Kent County Sheriff's Department all took part in the early morning event.

"The purpose of NNO is to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention. Teaming up with local radio and television stations helps us promote that message," said Michele A. Kirkland, Consumers Energy vice president of energy operations. "We appreciate the opportunity to work with local law enforcement agencies and other community organizations on this important issue and thank them for their award-winning efforts."

The 2012 NNO event was the largest ever, involving approximately 37.5 million people in 15,700 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide. Local residents were encouraged to participate by turning on their porch lights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  NNO is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and is co-sponsored locally by Consumers Energy.

National Night Out, a year-long community building campaign, is designed to:

• Heighten crime prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE: CMS), provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.8 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information regarding Consumers Energy, access our website at:
www.consumersenergy.com or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

SOURCE Consumers Energy