Officials from Consumers Energy has announced its plans to stop using coal as a fuel source for electricity by 2025. During a press conference Wednesday morning, officials said the proposal is 15 years faster than currently planned, and would make the company one of the first in the nation to go coal-free. In addition, it would ensure that the company is using 90 percent clean energy resources, while building nearly 8,000 megawatts of solar energy to power Michigan’s homes and businesses by 2040.
Brandon Hofmeister, is the senior vice president for governmental, regulatory and public affairs.
“Consumers Energy is committed to a just transition away from coal as a fuel source for electricity,” said Brandon Hofmeister. “We supported employees and communities impacted by our 2016 coal retirements by finding new roles for workers who wanted to stay, fulfilling our environmental responsibilities at the sites and helping local leaders pursue new economic possibilities.”
But the news isn’t welcome to all in West Michigan.
If approved, three coal-fired units at the J.H. Campbell Generating Plant in West Olive in central Ottawa County would shut down by 2025. Currently, Campbell units 1 and 2 are scheduled to close in 2031, and Campbell unit 3 is scheduled for 2040.