Consumers Energy is planning to close seven coal-fired power plants with a combined electricity generation capacity of around 1,000MW in Michigan, US.
Called ‘Classic Seven’, the power plants are being considered for closure as the company is shifting its focus towards clean energy generation.
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The seven’ coal plants are J.R. Whiting 1, 2 and 3 in Luna Pier; B.C. Cobb 4 and 5 in Muskegon; J.C.Weadock 7 and 8 in Hampton Township.
Consumers Energy energy resources senior vice-president Dan Malone said: "These plants have a long track-record of running safely, productively and efficiently. In fact, Whiting’s Unit 3 recently set a company record by operating continuously for 679 consecutive days, the sixth longest run for a US power plant."
Operations at the coal plants will be end by 15 April. Closure is expected to cut the company’s carbon footprint by 25%. It also helps the company reduce air emissions by 40%, and achieve a water use reduction of 40%.
With seven out of 12 of its coal plants shutting, Consumers Energy is calling on Lansing policymakers to update Michigan’s energy law and ensure customers have long-term affordable and sustainable power.
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By GlobalDataThe company is working to accommodate placement of interested employees at other Consumers Energy sites.
Said to be Michigan’s largest utility, Consumers Energy provides natural gas and electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s ten million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
