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                                                                 EXHIBIT (24)(a)



February 25, 2000

Mr. Alan M. Wright and
Mr. Thomas A. McNish
CMS Energy Corporation
Fairlane Plaza South, Suite 1100
330 Town Center Drive
Dearborn, MI 48126

CMS Energy Corporation is required to file an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1999 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/ William T. McCormick, Jr.                   /s/ Earl D. Holton
- ---------------------------------------        ---------------------------------
         William T. McCormick, Jr.                      Earl D. Holton


        /s/ John Deutch                                 /s/ W. U. Parfet
- ---------------------------------------        ---------------------------------
        John M. Deutch                                  William U. Parfet


        /s/ James J. Duderstadt                         /s/ Percy A. Pierre
- ---------------------------------------        ---------------------------------
        James J. Duderstadt                             Percy A. Pierre


        /s/ K. R. Flaherty                              /s/ K. L. Way
- ---------------------------------------        ---------------------------------
        Kathleen R. Flaherty                            Kenneth L. Way


        /s/ Victor J. Fryling                           /s/ K. Whipple
- ---------------------------------------        ---------------------------------
        Victor J. Fryling                               Kenneth Whipple


                              /s/ John B. Yasinsky
                         ------------------------------
                                John B. Yasinsky