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DETROIT Ƶ The U.S. Energy Department ordered a Michigan coal-fired power plant to remain open, at least until late August, citing possible electricity shortfalls in the central U.S.
State regulators immediately fired back, saying itƵs unnecessary to keep Consumers EnergyƵs J.H. Campbell plant open. It was supposed to close May 31.
ƵWe currently produce more energy in Michigan than needed. Ƶ a result, there is no existing energy emergency in either Michigan or MISO,Ƶ said Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan Public Service Commission.
MISO stands for Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which manages the flow of electricity in 15 U.S. states and Manitoba in Canada.
MISOƵs forecast says there should be enough electricity in the region this summer though Ƶthere is the potential for elevated risk during extreme weather.Ƶ
Consumers Energy is planning to close Campbell as part of a transition to cleaner energy. The power plant opened in 1962 in western MichiganƵs Ottawa County, near Lake Michigan. It can generate up to 1,450 megawatts of electricity to serve up to 1 million people, the utility said.
ƵMISO and Consumers Energy shall take all measures necessary to ensure that the Campbell Plant is available to operate,Ƶ Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Friday.
The utility said it will comply with the order, which expires Aug. 21.
ƵYes, the plant will stay on and produce electricity,Ƶ spokesperson Brian Wheeler said Tuesday.
An environmental group, the Sierra Club, panned the government order.
ƵCoal is expensive, outdated and deadly. ... Consumers Energy is right to finally retire this hugely expensive plant that is costing Michiganders their lives,Ƶ attorney Greg Wannier said, referring to the health effects of coal emissions.
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