Michigan PSC approves Consumers Energy plan to retire all coal plants 15 years early
Consumers Energy will soon become one of the first large utilities in the United States to go coal-free, following a thumbs up from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) last week that allowed it to close all its coal plants by 2025.
That advanced the company’s original retirement plans by 15 years. Additionally, the company will no longer purchase three methane gas plants and will instead install at least 8,000 MW of solar power, along with expansions to its energy storage capacity. Through this, Consumers intends to achieve a climate goal of carbon neutrality by 2040, which will help the state reach its own carbon neutrality goals by 2050.
“Michigan Interfaith Power & Light inspires people of faith to take action as stewards of the earth,” Leah Wiste, executive director of Michigan Interfaith Power & Light, a Michigan Environmental Council member group, said in a statement. “This is why our members joined dozens of organizations and thousands of people across the state calling for a more responsible, equitable power plan from Consumers Energy. We celebrate this historic agreement that highlights the power of community and proves that real change can come when we stand in solidarity for climate justice.”
At least 50 lawmakers and 75 organizations had urged the MPSC – Michigan’s regulatory body – to accept the settlement agreement with Consumers. Now, the Michigan Clean Consumers Energy Coalition – consisting of the Michigan Environmental Council and like-minded organizations – have indicated they will focus their attention on getting DTE Energy, Michigan’s other major utility, to close all its coal plants as well.
