EXHIBIT (23)(c)



            Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-120611) and the related
Prospectus of Consumers Energy Company dated December 1, 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 29, 2004