Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Forms S-8 (No. 333-196443) and S-3 (Nos. 333-195496 and 333-199611) of CMS Energy Corporation of our report dated February 7, 2017 relating to the financial statements, financial statement schedules, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Detroit, Michigan

February 7, 2017