EXHIBIT (23)(a)



                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-32229 and No. 333-58686) pertaining to CMS Energy Corporation
Performance Incentive Stock Plan and Executive Stock Option Plan, respectively,
(Form S-8 No. 333-76347) pertaining to the Employee Savings and Incentive Plan
of Consumers Energy Company, in the Registration Statements (Form S-3 No.
333-51932, No. 333-52560, No. 333-27849, No. 333-37241, No. 333-74958 and No.
333-45556 and Form S-4 No. 33-60007) of CMS Energy Corporation and in the
related Prospectuses of our report dated February 27, 2004, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements and schedule of CMS Energy Corporation and
subsidiaries included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2003.

                                              /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Detroit, Michigan
March 9, 2004



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