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Environmental organizations nix ‘zero coal’ plan

Judge says Consumers Energy’s proposal to remove coal plants by 2023 is not feasible.

MICHIGAN, USA —

Consumers Energy’s “zero coal” plan has come under scrutiny as a handful of environmental organizations have recommended the Michigan Public Service Commission reject and revise it as it stands.

The MPSC recently received a recommendation to reject Consumers Energy’s proposed long-term energy plan, which includes substantial investments in clean energy resources. Administrative Law Judge Sharon Feldman reviewed and made some constructive criticism of the plan but, ultimately, felt the need to recommend the MPSC reject the plan.

Feldman gave several reasons for her ruling. She said Consumers Energy’s modeling of the potential early retirement of two of its coal plants by 2023 relies on “certain unsupported assumptions and certain limited modeling choices.”

Feldman recommended the company provide a revised analysis and recognize other noneconomic and operational factors that indicate early retirement of one or more of those units by 2023 would not be feasible.

To read the entire story, pick up the Grand Rapids Business Journal or visit their website.

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