Consumers proposes plan for retirement of two coal units, higher use of renewable energy

Consumers Energy of Michigan announced last week a new long-term Integrated Resource Plan, which aims to cut coal reliance and up usage of renewable energy sources.

Specifically, two coal units at the Karn Generating Complex near Bay City, Michigan, would be retired in 2023. The units are aging, and no longer fit the company’s plans to increase renewable energy from 11 percent today to 37 percent by 2030. They remain committed to another goal announced earlier this year, of cutting carbon emissions by 80 percent and eliminating the use of coal by 2040. That same year, they hope to be operating at 43 percent clean energy.

“Our vision considers people, the planet and the prosperity of our state and the communities we serve,” Patti Poppe, president and CEO of Consumers Energy and CMS Energy, said. “This IRP will help guide key decisions in the coming years to make us a cleaner, leaner company for the Great Lakes State. This is a pivotal moment in our company’s long, proud history — and this plan charts a course for us all to embrace the opportunities and meet the challenges of a new era.”

The new IRP calls for greater emphasis on demand response, energy efficiency and grid modernization as well, with the goal of reducing energy costs and demand. Solar, wind, and battery storage all will see increased use throughout the 2020s. Consumers came to this conclusion following 18 months of research, including input from customers and stakeholders in public forums and others.

The targeted coal units have been in operation since 1959 and 1961, respectively. Their closure would follow the retirement of seven other units in 2016.