Trump issues second extension for costly Campbell Coal plant, guaranteeing rate hikes for Michiganders

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan League of Conservation Voters today issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration once again extending the closure of the Campbell Coal plant for another 90 days.

“At a time when energy costs are skyrocketing, the Trump administration is guaranteeing rate hikes for Michiganders by extending the life of this expensive, outdated Campbell Coal plant,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “Closing the coal plant was expected to save Michigan ratepayers $600 million by 2040.  Now, we’re on the hook for tens of millions of dollars in costs because of this action.  Every day it remains open means more pollution in our air and higher energy costs for Michigan families. Our bills are already too high, and Trump’s reckless energy policies are making it worse.”

Consumers Energy’s J.H. Campbell coal plant in West Michigan – Consumers Energy’s last coal-fired power plant, and one of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the state – was scheduled to close on May 31 due to being outdated, expensive to operate and harmful to the environment. But in a last-minute move on May 23, the Trump administration stepped in and ordered a 90-day extension, citing a made-up “energy emergency” and ignoring the utility’s closure plan and the decisions of state regulators and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. On Aug. 20, the Trump administration ordered another 90 day extension, keeping the expensive plant open even longer. 

Closure of the plant was in the works for years and was projected to save Michiganders $600 million by 2040. Consumers Energy confirmed the price of keeping the plant open for the first five weeks was $30 million. If the plant remains open for another 90 days, the price tag is expected to exceed $100 million. Consumers Energy has already indicated the company plans to recover the costs of keeping it open through increased rates for ratepayers in 11 states, including Michigan.