EXHIBIT (23)(c)



            Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and the related Prospectus of Consumers
Energy Company dated November 18, 2004 and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our report dated February 27, 2004, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Consumers Energy Company included in its
Annual Report (Form 10-K/A) for the year ended December 31, 2003, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                     /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Detroit, Michigan
November 16, 2004