DOE Orders Michigan Coal Plant to Stay Open Until November
The U.S. Department of Energy ordered the J.H. Campbell coal plant to remain operational through November 19, citing a national energy emergency.
The United States Department of Energy issued an emergency order requiring the J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Michigan to remain operational until November 19, 2025. This is the second time the Trump administration has invoked Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act to extend the facility's life after Consumers Energy had scheduled its closure for May 31, 2025.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the order is necessary to address an energy emergency and prevent blackouts caused by increasing electricity demand and the phasing out of reliable power sources. The order directs the Midcontinent Independent System Operator to run the 1,420-MW plant in coordination with Consumers Energy. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has ruled that the costs of keeping the plant online will be shared across the operator's northern and central regions.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and a coalition of environmental groups, including Earthjustice and the Sierra Club, are challenging the order in court. Critics argue the emergency is fabricated to protect the coal industry and that the plant is not necessary for grid reliability. Michigan regulators estimate the extension could burden consumers with over $100 million in unnecessary costs while increasing air and water pollution.
