News Summary

The J.H. Campbell coal plant in Ottawa County, Michigan, will remain operational for an additional 90 days due to an emergency order from the U.S. Department of Energy. This decision, driven by concerns over electricity shortfalls during summer peak demand, allows the plant to continue generating 1,560 megawatts of power until August 21. Local officials are divided on the implications of the plant’s closure, which is planned as part of a transition to cleaner energy. The order reflects ongoing debates about energy stability and environmental impact in the region.

Ottawa County, Michigan – The J.H. Campbell coal plant, which is slated to close at the end of May, will remain operational for an additional 90 days following an emergency order issued by the U.S. Department of Energy. This decision comes as a response to concerns over electricity generation shortfalls during the summer months when demand typically peaks.

The Department of Energy’s order, effective immediately, is set to last until August 21. During this time, the Campbell plant, which has the capacity to generate 1,560 megawatts of electricity, will continue to supply power to the grid. The order aims to prevent potential outages that could result from not having enough available power during high-demand periods.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright emphasized the plant’s continued operation is essential for maintaining grid security in the region. The decision has generated significant debate among local officials and residents, many of whom have voiced concerns about the implications of the plant’s closure on the stability of power supply.

In light of the emergency order, Consumers Energy, the utility company that operates the Campbell facility, is currently reviewing how the order will affect its plans for the plant. While the company has committed to complying with the 90-day extension, it has stated its intention to proceed with the plant’s decommissioning once the emergency order expires.

The closure of the Campbell plant has been a contentious issue among Ottawa County commissioners. Some have been advocating for the plant to remain operational. Commissioner Allison Miedema noted that keeping the plant open helps ensure access to baseload power for Michigan, while Commissioner Jacob Bonnema highlighted the concerns of local business owners worried about potential grid instability.

The Campbell plant’s scheduled closure was part of Consumers Energy’s broader commitment to transition to cleaner energy sources. Originally, the company planned to close the facility by 2025 as part of its goals to eliminate coal use entirely by that year. The decision to close the plant was accelerated, with the Michigan Public Service Commission approving the shutdown years earlier than the initial timeline, which aimed for partial closure in 2031 and complete decommissioning by 2040.

Despite opposition from local officials, many residents in Ottawa County formed a “Save the Campbell” campaign, expressing fears over the reliability of electricity supply with the closure of the coal plant. Critics of the federal intervention argue that local utility regulators had deemed the closure feasible without concerns about reliability, indicating confidence in the energy transition plan.

Environmental groups have been vocal in their criticism of the emergency order, describing it as an “illegal abuse” of presidential authority. They argue that coal technology is outdated and detrimental to environmental health. However, Secretary Wright reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy sources amid increasing electricity demand and the resurgence of manufacturing and data center operations.

The Campbell coal plant, which has been in operation since 1962, plays a significant role in meeting a considerable portion of Michigan’s electricity requirements. Michigan is currently in a transition phase toward renewable energy sources, and coal is projected to account for only 10 percent of the state’s electricity generation by 2025. To replace the capacity lost from the Campbell facility, Consumers Energy is investing in renewable energy projects and natural gas plants to help meet future energy needs.