Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Grid Reliability topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Ottawa County asks MPSC to delay Campbell plant closure, citing grid reliability concerns
Summary
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution asking the Michigan Public Service Commission to postpone Consumers Energy's planned 2025 closure of the J.H. Campbell power plant until a new hearing addresses grid reliability and other concerns.
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to send a formal request to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) asking that the scheduled May 2025 closure of the J.H. Campbell power plant be postponed and reviewed at a new hearing.
The resolution, adopted Feb. 25, 2025, asks the MPSC to “postpone this closure until such time as a new hearing can be held” so the commission can address concerns about grid reliability raised by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the county said in the resolution text read into the record.
Why it matters: The county says the plant serves local and regional demand and that NERC’s December 2024 long-term reliability assessment flagged the MISO grid for a high risk of shortfalls because resource additions aren’t keeping pace with retirements and demand growth. Commissioners said they want assurances from the MPSC and Consumers Energy that closing Campbell in 2025 will not adversely affect reliable electricity delivery in Ottawa County or the broader MISO footprint.
The board’s packet includes language noting that Campbell is an integrated member of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and that the MPSC has statutory authority over the plant. The resolution cites the county’s authority under Article 7, Section 15 of the Michigan Constitution to intervene in utility proceedings that affect local ratepayers and asks the MPSC to treat the county’s resolution as a formal appeal of its 2022 decision authorizing Campbell’s retirement.
Public comment and commissioners’ positions: Joseph Parnell McCarter of Georgetown Township, who identified himself as a volunteer and leader of the Save the Campbell effort, urged passage of the resolution and cited news reporting and MPSC commentary about the narrow timing for replacement resources. McCarter said the restart of other units and federal funding uncertainty make the closure “precarious.” During the board discussion several commissioners said they support asking MPSC for a review to ensure the grid is stable before Campbell’s closure proceeds.
Language changes and close votes: A motion to amend one whereas clause to say the MPSC decision was “in part” based on projected increases in production failed on a recorded vote. The full resolution passed on roll call, with the board recording one member voting no and the remainder voting yes.
What happens next: Commissioners said they will forward the resolution to the MPSC and coordinate delivery (some members discussed certified mail) and will share it with local jurisdictions that have expressed concern. County staff said they would report back on any responses from Consumers Energy or the commission.
Ending: The resolution does not itself change Campbell’s schedule; it asks the MPSC to reopen or revisit the 2022 approval and to provide assurances about grid reliability before the plant’s planned early retirement moves forward.
