Consumers Energy's seven oldest coal plants are shutting down by April 15 after more than 60 years in Michigan.

Consumers Energy's Classic Seven coal plants include:

  • B.C. Cobb 4 and 5, Muskegon, 320 megawatts (MW).
  • J.C.Weadock 7 and 8, Hampton Township (Bay County), 310 MW.
  • J.R. Whiting 1, 2 and 3, Luna Pier, 328 MW.

Collectively, the plants are capable of generating nearly 1,000 megawatts of electricity.

"We purchased the Jackson Gas Plant at one-quarter the cost of a new plant to replace the power from the Classic Seven and continue to invest in wind and other renewable energy sources. This ensures Consumers Energy has the power necessary to serve its customers affordably and reliably, with cleaner sources of energy," said Dan Malone, senior vice president of energy resources for Consumers Energy.

"Shutting down the Classic Seven plants reduces our carbon footprint by 25 percent, reduces air emissions by 40 percent, and results in a water use reduction of 40 percent."

Consumers Energy is working to place interested employees at other Consumers Energy sites.

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