May 11, 2015 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Consumers Energy plans to retire its seven oldest coal-fired generating plants by April 2016, making it one of the top two energy providers in the nation in terms of the size of its coal retirements. The utility is closing the second-most number of coal plants in the country -- AEP Ohio is first.

The B.C. Cobb generating plant is one of Consumers Energy's "Classic Seven." Credit: Consumer's Energy

The plants make up 32 percent of the utility's generation fleet.

"These plants, which we call our 'Classic Seven,' have provided reliable, affordable energy for Michigan residents for decades, but it doesn't make economic sense to spend more to keep them running. Now, we're planning responsibly for a sustainable future for our state, making sure residents and businesses have the energy they need, whenever they need it," said David Mengebier, Consumers Energy's senior vice president for governmental and public affairs. "When we talk about sustainability, we refer to environmental stewardship. It's also social and economic issues such as workforce development and community engagement, making sure that our state is prepared for the future."

Consumers Energy announced these retirements with the release of its third Accountability Report, which, in part, reports on the company's work with government, business and economic development organizations to help make the transition for the Classic Seven plants. The report also emphasizes the need for a Michigan-first energy plan that creates a climate for Consumers Energy and other major energy providers to develop plans to meet the state's energy needs.

"We are prepared to provide energy safely, affordably, reliably and sustainably, even as seven of our coal plants are retired next year," Mengebier said. "It will be important for Michigan to support a fully-regulated electric system that provides certainty for us to build the next generation of clean power plants; carry out cost-saving energy efficiency strategies that help our customers; and develop cost-effective renewable energy technologies such as wind, solar, biomass and hydroelectric power."

Consumers Energy has significantly reduced emissions from its generating plants over the last 15 years, according to the report, helping Michigan's air to be the cleanest it has been in a generation. From 1998 to 2014, particulate matter has decreased 91 percent, nitrous oxide 78 percent, sulfur dioxide 53 percent, mercury 28 percent and carbon 13 percent.

The utility is setting a new target to reduce water intensity usage at its power plants at 20 percent by 2020 compared to 2012.

For more:
- see the report

© 2015 FierceMarkets, a division of Questex Media Group LLC. All rights reserved.

http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/consumers-energy-closing-its-classic-seven-coal-plants/2015-05-11