Feds renew order to keep J.H. Campbell coal plant open

The U.S. Department of Energy has renewed its emergency order requiring Consumers Energy’s J.H. Campbell coal plant in West Olive, Michigan, to remain available to operate through August 16, 2026.

The order, issued May 18 and taking effect May 19, extends federal intervention at the plant as Michigan officials continue to challenge the action in court.

DOE said the order is aimed at addressing possible electricity shortfalls and reducing costs during the summer demand season. State officials have argued the emergency order is unnecessary.

Legal fight continues

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office was scheduled to argue in the D.C. Circuit on May 15 over earlier DOE orders involving the plant. Earthjustice said the case concerns repeated extensions of the federal directive.

The Campbell plant had already been ordered to stay open last year after a planned retirement date passed. DOE extended that order in February, and the latest renewal now keeps the plant available through mid-August.

The dispute has become a broader fight over the federal government’s authority to keep a coal plant online over state objections. Michigan officials say there is no current energy emergency. DOE says the move is needed to protect reliability and minimize costs.

What happens next

The immediate next milestone is the court challenge, which could determine whether the federal order stands or is blocked. DOE could also issue another extension before the current order expires on August 16.