Consumers Energy and key stakeholders throughout Michigan have agreed on a settlement related to the company’s Clean Energy Plan, a sweeping proposal to stop using coal as a fuel source for electric generation by 2025. The agreement is subject to regulatory approval. It includes representatives from energy industry and customer groups as well as staff from the Michigan Public Service Commission. It provides a 20-year blueprint to meet Michigan’s energy needs while protecting the environment for future generations.
“This is a historic commitment to lead the clean energy transformation and create a brighter future for our state,” says Garrick Rochow, president and CEO of Consumers Energy. “A diverse set of stakeholders came together to endorse a Clean Energy Plan that will provide reliable and affordable energy to customers for decades to come while protecting the environment.”
Consumers Energy has updated its 2018 Clean Energy Plan. It now includes the promise to accelerate the elimination and replacement of coal by 2025. This pledge was included in its 2021 Clean Energy Plan filed with the MPSC last May. The settlement agreement supporting Consumers Energy’s plan comes after more than a year of listening to key stakeholders’ ideas and input. The MPSC will review the settlement agreement as the next step.
The settlement will continue the rapid transition towards clean, renewable energy by adding nearly 8 000 MW of solar power to its capacity by 2040. This will ensure that 60% of its capacity is from clean sources.
“Reaching consensus on this Clean Energy Plan moves Michigan toward a cleaner, more reliable energy future while caring for our co-workers and communities impacted,” Rochow adds. “We’re grateful for the thoughtful, positive contributions of all stakeholders throughout this process and look forward to the MPSC’s decision on our plan.”