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Consumers Energy to Offer Public Tours of Campbell Complex in West Michigan, Starting to End an Era for Coal

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Consumers Energy (CMS) is offering public tours of its J.H. Campbell Complex in West Michigan on September 21, 2024, marking the beginning of the end for its last coal-fired facility. The complex is scheduled to close by June 1, 2025, as part of the company's Clean Energy Plan to achieve a carbon-neutral energy grid by 2040. This closure will make Consumers Energy one of the first U.S. utility providers to eliminate coal burning.

The Campbell complex consists of three units built between 1962 and 1980. It's the last of 12 coal-fired units that Consumers Energy has been closing since 2016. The company is committed to a just transition for employees and plans to redevelop the site after demolition in 2026 or later. To replace Campbell's energy output, Consumers Energy purchased the Covert Generating Station and continues to develop clean energy projects, including wind farms and solar energy centers.

Consumers Energy (CMS) offre visite pubbliche al suo Complesso J.H. Campbell nel Michigan occidentale il 21 settembre 2024, segnando l'inizio della fine per la sua ultima centrale a carbone. Il complesso è programmato per chiudere entro il 1 giugno 2025, come parte del Piano Energetico Pulito dell'azienda per raggiungere una rete energetica carbon-neutral entro il 2040. Questa chiusura renderà Consumers Energy uno dei primi fornitori di servizi pubblici negli Stati Uniti a eliminare la combustione del carbone.

Il complesso Campbell è composto da tre unità costruite tra il 1962 e il 1980. È l'ultima delle 12 unità a carbone che Consumers Energy ha chiuso dal 2016. L'azienda si impegna per una transizione giusta per i dipendenti e prevede di riqualificare il sito dopo la demolizione nel 2026 o oltre. Per sostituire la produzione energetica di Campbell, Consumers Energy ha acquistato la Centrale di Covert e continua a sviluppare progetti di energia pulita, tra cui parchi eolici e centri di energia solare.

Consumers Energy (CMS) está ofreciendo visitas públicas a su Complejo J.H. Campbell en el oeste de Michigan el 21 de septiembre de 2024, marcando el principio del fin para su última planta de carbón. El complejo está programado para cerrarse antes del 1 de junio de 2025, como parte del Plan de Energía Limpia de la compañía para lograr una red energética neutral en carbono para 2040. Este cierre convertirá a Consumers Energy en uno de los primeros proveedores de servicios públicos de EE.UU. en eliminar la quema de carbón.

El complejo Campbell consta de tres unidades construidas entre 1962 y 1980. Es la última de las 12 unidades de carbón que Consumers Energy ha cerrado desde 2016. La empresa está comprometida con una transición justa para los empleados y planea rede desarrollar el sitio después de la demolición en 2026 o más tarde. Para reemplazar la producción energética de Campbell, Consumers Energy adquirió la Estación Generadora de Covert y sigue desarrollando proyectos de energía limpia, incluidos parques eólicos y centros de energía solar.

Consumers Energy (CMS)는 2024년 9월 21일 미시간 주 서부에 위치한 J.H. Campbell 복합 단지의 공개 견학을 제공하며, 이는 마지막 석탄 화력 시설의 끝을 알리는 첫 단계를 의미합니다. 이 복합 단지는 2025년 6월 1일까지 폐쇄될 예정이며, 이는 회사의 청정 에너지 계획의 일환으로 2040년까지 탄소 중립 에너지 그리드를 달성하기 위한 것입니다. 이 폐쇄로 Consumers Energy는 석탄 연소를 없애는 미국 유틸리티 공급자 중 하나가 됩니다.

Campbell 복합 단지는 1962년부터 1980년 사이에 건설된 세 개의 유닛으로 구성되어 있습니다. 이는 2016년 이후 Consumers Energy가 폐쇄한 12개 석탄 화력 단위의 마지막 단위입니다. 이 회사는 직원들을 위한 공정한 전환에 헌신하고 있으며, 2026년 이후 철거 후 해당 사이트를 재개발할 계획입니다. Campbell의 에너지원과 대체하기 위해, Consumers Energy는 Covert 발전소를 구매하고 풍력 농장 및 태양광 에너지 센터를 포함한 청정 에너지 프로젝트 개발을 계속하고 있습니다.

Consumers Energy (CMS) propose des visites publiques de son complexe J.H. Campbell dans l'ouest du Michigan le 21 septembre 2024, marquant le début de la fin de sa dernière centrale à charbon. La fermeture du complexe est prévue d'ici le 1er juin 2025, dans le cadre du Plan d'Énergie Propre de l'entreprise visant à atteindre une réseau énergétique neutre en carbone d'ici 2040. Cette fermeture fera de Consumers Energy l'un des premiers fournisseurs de services publics aux États-Unis à éliminer la combustion du charbon.

Le complexe Campbell se compose de trois unités construites entre 1962 et 1980. C'est la dernière des 12 unités à charbon que Consumers Energy a fermées depuis 2016. L'entreprise s'engage à une transition juste pour les employés et prévoit de réaménager le site après la démolition en 2026 ou plus tard. Pour remplacer la production énergétique de Campbell, Consumers Energy a acheté la Centrale de Covert et continue de développer des projets d'énergie propre, y compris des parcs éoliens et des centres énergétiques solaires.

Consumers Energy (CMS) bietet öffentliche Führungen seines J.H. Campbell-Komplexes in West-Michigan am 21. September 2024 an und markiert damit den Anfang vom Ende seiner letzten Kohlekraftanlage. Der Komplex soll bis zum 1. Juni 2025 geschlossen werden, im Rahmen des Clean Energy Plans des Unternehmens, um bis 2040 ein kohlenstoffneutrales Energienetz zu erreichen. Diese Schließung wird Consumers Energy zu einem der ersten US-Versorgungsunternehmen machen, die die Kohlenverbrennung einstellen.

Der Campbell-Komplex besteht aus drei Einheiten, die zwischen 1962 und 1980 gebaut wurden. Es ist die letzte von 12 Kohlekraftanlagen, die Consumers Energy seit 2016 schließt. Das Unternehmen setzt sich für einen gerechten Übergang für die Mitarbeiter ein und plant, das Gelände nach der Abrissarbeiten 2026 oder später neu zu entwickeln. Um die Energieausbeute von Campbell zu ersetzen, hat Consumers Energy das Covert-Kraftwerk erworben und entwickelt weiterhin Projekte für saubere Energie, einschließlich Windparks und Solarenergie-Zentren.

Positive
  • Consumers Energy is progressing towards its goal of a carbon-neutral energy grid by 2040
  • The company is offering alternative job opportunities to Campbell complex employees
  • Consumers Energy has already secured replacement energy sources, including the Covert Generating Station
  • The company is developing clean energy projects, including five Michigan wind farms and the Muskegon Solar Energy Center
Negative
  • Closure of the Campbell complex may impact local economy in Ottawa County
  • Potential costs associated with the demolition and redevelopment of the Campbell site

Insights

Consumers Energy's plan to close its last coal-fired complex is a significant milestone in the utility sector's shift towards cleaner energy. The closure of the Campbell Complex by June 2025 puts Consumers Energy ahead of many peers in phasing out coal, potentially positioning it as an industry leader in sustainability.

However, investors should note that this transition comes with both opportunities and challenges. The shift to renewable sources like wind and solar could lead to long-term cost savings and improved environmental performance. Yet, the short-term capital expenditure for new clean energy projects and potential stranded assets from early coal plant closures might impact near-term financials.

The company's commitment to a 'just transition' for employees is commendable but may incur additional costs. Overall, this move aligns with growing investor focus on ESG criteria, potentially enhancing the company's appeal to sustainability-focused investors.

Consumers Energy's accelerated timeline for coal phase-out is noteworthy in the context of climate policy. By committing to eliminate coal by 2025 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, the company is setting an ambitious benchmark for the utility sector.

This proactive approach could position Consumers Energy favorably in terms of regulatory compliance and public perception. It may also provide a competitive advantage as policies increasingly favor low-carbon energy sources. However, the success of this strategy hinges on the company's ability to maintain reliability and manage costs during the transition.

The redevelopment plans for the Campbell site demonstrate foresight in addressing potential economic impacts on local communities, a important aspect often overlooked in energy transitions. This comprehensive approach could serve as a model for other utilities facing similar challenges.

From a financial perspective, Consumers Energy's coal phase-out strategy presents a mixed outlook. The closure of the Campbell Complex and transition to cleaner energy sources will likely result in significant upfront costs. However, this could be offset by long-term operational savings from more efficient technologies and reduced fuel costs.

Investors should closely monitor the company's capital expenditure plans for new renewable projects and grid upgrades. The acquisition of the Covert Generating Station and development of wind and solar projects indicate a strategic reallocation of resources. This diversification could help mitigate risks associated with future regulatory changes or carbon pricing mechanisms.

The company's ability to maintain its 6.8 million customer base while transitioning to cleaner energy will be important for financial stability. If executed well, this strategy could lead to improved long-term profitability and enhanced shareholder value, particularly as ESG considerations become increasingly important in investment decisions.

Ottawa County Complex to Close in Mid-2025 as Part of Clean Energy Plan

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich., Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers Energy is inviting the public to tour its J.H. Campbell Complex in West Michigan next month, starting the final leg in the process that will close the energy provider's last coal-fired complex in less than a year.

Consumers Energy is closing all three units of the Ottawa County complex. This closure will mark the company as one of the first U.S. utility providers to eliminate coal burning and is part of its Clean Energy Plan for a carbon-neutral energy grid by 2040.

"We're excited to give our friends and neighbors the opportunity to look inside Campbell as we make this major energy transition," said Norm Kapala, Consumers Energy's vice president of generation operations. "Our Campbell complex and the people who work here have served our state faithfully with reliable energy for generations. We want to provide an opportunity to understand and appreciate that legacy."

Consumers Energy is offering bus tours of the Campbell complex for Sept. 21. People must sign up in advance for scheduled times, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The free tours will last about an hour, including an opportunity to go inside. Learn more and register here: Campbell Complex Public Tour - Sept. 21 | Eventbrite

The Campbell complex is slated to close by June 1, 2025. It is made up of three units that were built in 1962, 1967 and 1980. They are the last of 12 coal-fired units ― including those at the Cobb (Muskegon County), Whiting (Monroe County), Weadock (Bay County), and most recently, Karn (Bay County) plants ― that started closing in 2016.

Video: A look from above: Drone footage of Consumers Energy's Campbell complex

As with the other plants, Consumers Energy is committed to a just transition for Campbell. That means Campbell complex employees will be offered other job opportunities with the company. In partnership with community leaders, the site will be redeveloped following its demolition in 2026 or later.

Consumers Energy has prepared for a coal-free energy future. The company purchased and started operating the Covert Generating Station in Southwest Michigan's Van Buren County two years ago, matching most of the energy that Campbell provides. Consumers Energy continues to develop clean energy projects, including five Michigan wind farms and the Muskegon Solar Energy Center, which is slated to begin operations in 2026.

"We will be busy the next nine months as we continue to operate Campbell right up until it closes. We're committed to a useful future for this property, but not before we take the time to reflect on the complex's important work serving Michigan," Kapala said.

Consumers Energy is Michigan's largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy's Clean Energy Plan calls for eliminating coal as an energy source by 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions and meeting 90% of customers' energy needs through clean sources, including wind and solar.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to ConsumersEnergy.com.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy 

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SOURCE Consumers Energy

FAQ

When will Consumers Energy (CMS) close its last coal-fired complex?

Consumers Energy plans to close its last coal-fired complex, the J.H. Campbell Complex in West Michigan, by June 1, 2025.

What is Consumers Energy's (CMS) target for achieving a carbon-neutral energy grid?

Consumers Energy aims to achieve a carbon-neutral energy grid by 2040 as part of its Clean Energy Plan.

How is Consumers Energy (CMS) replacing the energy output from the Campbell complex?

Consumers Energy has purchased the Covert Generating Station in Van Buren County and is developing clean energy projects, including wind farms and solar energy centers, to replace the energy output from the Campbell complex.

What will happen to the employees of the Campbell complex after its closure?

Consumers Energy is committed to offering other job opportunities within the company to the employees of the Campbell complex as part of its just transition plan.

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