August 21, 2025
WEST OLIVE, MI – U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) renewed its improper “emergency” order keeping the J.H. Campbell coal plant running for another 90 days until late November, even as electricity demand predictably declines from the summer to the fall season. The original order was set to expire on August 21, when Consumers Energy could continue decommissioning the Campbell coal plant. Consumers Energy has apparently spent well over $50 million to keep the Campbell coal plant running even though the Michigan Public Service Commission Chair stated that it is not needed for reliability.
Statement by Howard Learner, CEO & Executive Director
Environmental Law & Policy Center
“Midwestern families and businesses should not be forced by the U.S. Department of Energy to pay millions of dollars in higher electricity bills for an old coal plant that is demonstrably not needed for reliability and much more expensive than sensible alternatives. The DOE’s unlawful new ‘emergency’ order delays decommissioning of the old J.H. Campbell coal plant in Michigan for 90 more days until late November, makes no economic sense, and is unlawful. There is no emergency need for this coal plant as the Michigan Public Service Commission has concluded based on the facts, especially as electricity demand drops from the hot summer to the fall.”