A surprise federal order by President Donald Trump’s Energy Secretary Chris Wright has kept a Michigan coal power plant open throughout the summer, despite it being scheduled for retirement. The move could cost Midwest energy customers tens of millions of dollars.
The J.H. Campbell plant, owned by Consumers Energy, was initially set to shut down last week as part of its multi-year retirement process approved in 2022. However, Wright’s May 23 emergency order cited concerns about a potential summer electricity shortage due to a lack of available coal, gas, and nuclear plants.
The decision has left state officials, including Michigan Public Service Commission Chair Dan Scripps, surprised and concerned. Scripps warned that the cost of keeping the plant open for 90 days could be “multiple tens of millions of dollars,” with individual electricity bills potentially rising significantly.
Energy experts say this is an unusual move by the federal government, which usually issues emergency orders after severe storms or natural disasters. The decision has also raised questions about the feasibility of relying on coal as a baseload power source in the long term.
Critics argue that the use of coal is becoming increasingly expensive and polluting, with renewable energy sources like solar now being more cost-effective. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has said she is considering legal action against the federal government over the decision.
Energy Secretary Wright has faced criticism for his stance on renewables, saying they are not a reliable replacement for fossil fuels. However, experts say that countries like Texas have successfully transitioned to cleaner energy sources and can serve as models for other states.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/06/climate/michigan-coal-plant-energy-cost-wright