<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-24.(B)
<SEQUENCE>28
<FILENAME>k82154aexv24wxby.txt
<DESCRIPTION>POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMERS
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
                                                                 EXHIBIT 24(b)


February 27, 2004

Mr. S. Kinnie Smith, Jr.
Mr. Thomas J. Webb
Mr. Michael D. VanHemert
Consumers Energy Company
One Energy Plaza
Jackson, MI  49201-2276

Consumers Energy Company is required to file an Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2003 with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 90 days after the end of the year.

We hereby make, constitute and appoint each of you our true and lawful attorney
for each of us and in each of our names, places and steads to sign and cause to
be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission said Annual Report with any
necessary exhibits, and any amendments thereto that may be required.

Very truly yours,




         /s/ Kenneth Whipple                       /s/ Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.
 ------------------------------------       ------------------------------------
           Kenneth Whipple                           Joseph F. Paquette, Jr.


       /s/ James J. Duderstadt                        /s/ William U. Parfet
 ------------------------------------       ------------------------------------
         James J. Duderstadt                            William U. Parfet


      /s/ Kathleen R. Flaherty                         /s/ Percy A. Pierre
 ------------------------------------       ------------------------------------
        Kathleen R. Flaherty                             Percy A. Pierre


         /s/ Earl D. Holton                         /s/ S. Kinnie Smith, Jr.
 ------------------------------------       ------------------------------------
           Earl D. Holton                             S. Kinnie Smith, Jr.


          /s/ David W. Joos                            /s/ Kenneth L. Way
 ------------------------------------       ------------------------------------
            David W. Joos                                Kenneth L. Way


       /s/ Michael T. Monahan                         /s/ John B. Yasinsky
 ------------------------------------       ------------------------------------
         Michael T. Monahan                             John B. Yasinsky




</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
