Consumers Energy had planned to retire its West Olive J.H. Campbell coal-fired plant back on May 31st, but the U.S. Department of Energy has twice ordered it remain operational. Now, a third order forces Consumers Energy to operate the plant until February 19th, 2026.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel claims the order is arbitrary and illegal, filing a motion to stay DOE’s order.
Energy secretary Chris Wright alleges taking the coal-fired power plant offline in favor of natural gas and renewable energy creates an electricity shortage throughout the Midwest.
Nessel contends this latest order relies on an outdated North American Electric Reliability Corporation winter assessment to support its claim of an energy emergency.
Consumers Energy says it has spent over $80 million keeping the plant operational beyond its retirement. Those costs are shared by all Midwest electricity customers.
Nessel has filed two prior petitions to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, but no rulings have been issued.
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