EXHIBIT 24(b)






                                                                   Exhibit 24(b)



                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-76347) pertaining to the Employee Savings and Incentive Plan of
Consumers Energy Company and in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No.
333-73922) of Consumers Energy Company and in the related Prospectus of our
report dated February 14, 2003 with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Consumers Energy Company and subsidiaries included in
the Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended December 31, 2001.

                                                      /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Detroit, Michigan
February 14, 2003