By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a legal challenge against the U.S. Department of Energy, seeking to block the department’s recent order to stop the planned retirement of Consumers Energy’s J.H. Campbell power plant in West Olive.
In a news release dated June 18, Nessel claims the Department of Energy order to cancel the retirement of the coal-fired Campbell plant “disregards all prior planning and regulatory approvals, in yet another example of the Trump administration arbitrarily declaring a false emergency as a pretext for advancing its policy agenda by means outside its normal authority.”
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on May 21 ordered the 1,650-megawatt Campbell plant remain in operation through the summer months, a move he said was needed “to minimize any potential capacity shortfall that could lead to unnecessary power outages.” The order put the planned retirement of Campbell on hold for at least 90 days.
Wright claimed the emergency order was authorized under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act and was in accordance with an earlier national energy emergency declaration by President Trump.
The Michigan Public Service Commission in June 2022 approved a settlement agreement with Consumers Energy, where the utility agreed to shut down the three units at the Campbell plant this year as part of an overall corporate plan to move toward natural gas and renewable energy as sources of generating power.
“Michigan must be in the fight to maintain self-determination in where our power comes from,” Nessel said. “The closure of this coal-powered electric plant has been planned for years, the utility made all due preparations to maintain our energy load without it, and the closure has been agreed to and cited in settlements affecting customer costs.
“In particular, if this arbitrary and unlawful order is allowed to stand, the only effect Michiganders will feel will be the pinch in their pockets.”
Nessel said that the retirement of the Campbell plant and its replacement with more cost-effective resources were elements of a plan that was expected to save Michigan ratepayers nearly $600 million.
The attorney general went on to say that the Department of Energy has never before delayed the retirement of a power plant “absent a request from the operating utility or local governmental body, and only ever in response to concrete, particularized emergencies, and subject to limitations to ensure that the order extends no further than necessary to address the emergency at hand.”
Under the Federal Power Act, the Department of Energy has 30 days to respond to the attorney general’s request.
Zeeland Record
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a legal challenge against the U.S. Department of Energy, seeking to block the department’s recent order to stop the planned retirement of Consumers Energy’s J.H. Campbell power plant in West Olive.
In a news release dated June 18, Nessel claims the Department of Energy order to cancel the retirement of the coal-fired Campbell plant “disregards all prior planning and regulatory approvals, in yet another example of the Trump administration arbitrarily declaring a false emergency as a pretext for advancing its policy agenda by means outside its normal authority.”
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright on May 21 ordered the 1,650-megawatt Campbell plant remain in operation through the summer months, a move he said was needed “to minimize any potential capacity shortfall that could lead to unnecessary power outages.” The order put the planned retirement of Campbell on hold for at least 90 days.
Wright claimed the emergency order was authorized under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act and was in accordance with an earlier national energy emergency declaration by President Trump.
The Michigan Public Service Commission in June 2022 approved a settlement agreement with Consumers Energy, where the utility agreed to shut down the three units at the Campbell plant this year as part of an overall corporate plan to move toward natural gas and renewable energy as sources of generating power.
“Michigan must be in the fight to maintain self-determination in where our power comes from,” Nessel said. “The closure of this coal-powered electric plant has been planned for years, the utility made all due preparations to maintain our energy load without it, and the closure has been agreed to and cited in settlements affecting customer costs.
“In particular, if this arbitrary and unlawful order is allowed to stand, the only effect Michiganders will feel will be the pinch in their pockets.”
Nessel said that the retirement of the Campbell plant and its replacement with more cost-effective resources were elements of a plan that was expected to save Michigan ratepayers nearly $600 million.
The attorney general went on to say that the Department of Energy has never before delayed the retirement of a power plant “absent a request from the operating utility or local governmental body, and only ever in response to concrete, particularized emergencies, and subject to limitations to ensure that the order extends no further than necessary to address the emergency at hand.”
Under the Federal Power Act, the Department of Energy has 30 days to respond to the attorney general’s request.
Slagh Sets Local Office Hours
State Rep. Brad Slagh, of Zeeland, has announced an opportunity for local residents to join him during his office hours in Jenison, Hudsonville and Zeeland next Monday.
Rep. Slagh will be available at the following times and locations:
• 7 to 8 a.m. at Biggby Coffee at 7589 Cottonwood Dr., Jenison
• 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Biggby Coffee at 4676 32nd Ave., Hudsonville
• 10 to 11 a.m. at Farmhouse Restaurant, 430 W. Washington Ave., Zeeland
In addition to hearing from the people he represents, the representative said he looks forward to conversations on the House Republican School Aid budget proposal and protecting our State from undue foreign influence he recently supported.
No appointments are necessary to attend office hours. Those interested in scheduling a time to speak with the representative outside of these scheduled office hours can call his office at (517) 373-0841 or email Bradley Slagh@house.mi.gov.
Rep. Slagh will be available at the following times and locations:
• 7 to 8 a.m. at Biggby Coffee at 7589 Cottonwood Dr., Jenison
• 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Biggby Coffee at 4676 32nd Ave., Hudsonville
• 10 to 11 a.m. at Farmhouse Restaurant, 430 W. Washington Ave., Zeeland
In addition to hearing from the people he represents, the representative said he looks forward to conversations on the House Republican School Aid budget proposal and protecting our State from undue foreign influence he recently supported.
No appointments are necessary to attend office hours. Those interested in scheduling a time to speak with the representative outside of these scheduled office hours can call his office at (517) 373-0841 or email Bradley Slagh@house.mi.gov.
Consumers Energy Seeks Sixth Rate Hike in Six Years
By Jamie A. Hope
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Consumers Energy has requested for a $436 million rate increase, one of its largest increases in the utility’s history, just three months after a $154 million rate hike took effect.
The regional monopoly provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million residents. Michigan Capitol Confidential reported in April on Consumers’ plan to request another rate increase from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The company’s 2024 request started out at $325 million but ended up at $154 million, resulting in a 2.8 percent increase for residential customers.
“Consumers Energy is committed to delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy to nearly 2 million homes and businesses,” said Katie Carey, director of media relations for CMS Energy & Consumers Energy, in an email to CapCon.
She added that the company understands many of their customers struggle to pay bills.
CMS Energy, the company that owns Consumers Energy, had a 13.23 percent increase in profits year-over-year in 2024, according to Macrotrends.
It had $993 million in net income available to shareholders the same year, according to the company’s annual report.
This latest filing marks the largest electricity rate hike proposed by Consumers Energy in years, according to previous filings. If approved, the increase would go into effect in May 2026.
Recent major rate hike requests by Consumers Energy include:
• $100 million in 2020
• $27 million in 2021
• $155 million in 2023
• $92 million in 2024
• $154 million in 2025.
CapCon reported in 2018 that state regulators, appointed by the governor, allowed the company to raise prices nine times since 2005. The rate increases over that period totaled $912 million.
Jason Hayes, director of energy and environmental policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, has voiced concerns over the environmental costs of wind and solar infrastructure Consumers is building out.
He told CapCon in March that since the state killed electricity choice in the state in 2008, residential rates have surged 75 percent. Rates in the state went from being 10 percent below the national average to being 10 percent above it.
Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a notice of intervention opposing the request. In a June 2 press release, Nessel called the proposed hike “likely the largest in decades” and criticized Consumers Energy for filing the new request just seven days after its last increase went into effect.
The proposal would raise rates by about 9.2 percent for all customers and 13.3 percent for households, according to Nessel.
The company, said Nessel, is seeking to recover $24 million in deferred distribution costs from its “bill-paying customers” through a separate surcharge.
Nessel did not respond to a request for comment.
About 37 states have cheaper electricity than Michigan, CapCon has reported.
—————
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Michigan Capitol Confidential
Consumers Energy has requested for a $436 million rate increase, one of its largest increases in the utility’s history, just three months after a $154 million rate hike took effect.
The regional monopoly provides natural gas and electricity to 6.8 million residents. Michigan Capitol Confidential reported in April on Consumers’ plan to request another rate increase from the Michigan Public Service Commission. The company’s 2024 request started out at $325 million but ended up at $154 million, resulting in a 2.8 percent increase for residential customers.
“Consumers Energy is committed to delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy to nearly 2 million homes and businesses,” said Katie Carey, director of media relations for CMS Energy & Consumers Energy, in an email to CapCon.
She added that the company understands many of their customers struggle to pay bills.
CMS Energy, the company that owns Consumers Energy, had a 13.23 percent increase in profits year-over-year in 2024, according to Macrotrends.
It had $993 million in net income available to shareholders the same year, according to the company’s annual report.
This latest filing marks the largest electricity rate hike proposed by Consumers Energy in years, according to previous filings. If approved, the increase would go into effect in May 2026.
Recent major rate hike requests by Consumers Energy include:
• $100 million in 2020
• $27 million in 2021
• $155 million in 2023
• $92 million in 2024
• $154 million in 2025.
CapCon reported in 2018 that state regulators, appointed by the governor, allowed the company to raise prices nine times since 2005. The rate increases over that period totaled $912 million.
Jason Hayes, director of energy and environmental policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, has voiced concerns over the environmental costs of wind and solar infrastructure Consumers is building out.
He told CapCon in March that since the state killed electricity choice in the state in 2008, residential rates have surged 75 percent. Rates in the state went from being 10 percent below the national average to being 10 percent above it.
Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a notice of intervention opposing the request. In a June 2 press release, Nessel called the proposed hike “likely the largest in decades” and criticized Consumers Energy for filing the new request just seven days after its last increase went into effect.
The proposal would raise rates by about 9.2 percent for all customers and 13.3 percent for households, according to Nessel.
The company, said Nessel, is seeking to recover $24 million in deferred distribution costs from its “bill-paying customers” through a separate surcharge.
Nessel did not respond to a request for comment.
About 37 states have cheaper electricity than Michigan, CapCon has reported.
—————
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.
Holiday Travel Expected to Hit Record
AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period (Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6). This represents an increase of 1.7 million travelers (2.4 percent) over last year and 7 million more than in 2019.
To better reflect holiday travel trends, AAA’s forecast now accounts for two weekends, capturing extended trips and varied departure schedules.
In Michigan, travel is expected to reach historic levels, with more than 2.6 million Michiganders hitting the road, skies, and rails – that’s up 71,000 (nearly 3 percent) from last year.
Nearly 2.4 million Michigan residents will take a road trip, a 2.5 percent increase from last year. Nearly 96,000 Michigan residents will fly domestically, 1 percent increase from a year ago, while more than 160,000 Michiganders will take buses, trains, or cruises, an increase of 7 percent from this time last year.
“Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, with Americans eager to take advantage of summer vacation opportunities,” AAA Travel Vice President Debbie Haas said. “This year, we’re seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday. This is allowing travelers to extend their getaways and make lasting memories with loved ones.”
Nationally, AAA estimates 61.6 million Americans will drive — a 2.2 percent increase from last year and the highest number ever recorded. 1.3 million more road travelers are expected compared to 2024.
Drivers should prepare their vehicles in advance, as AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide during last year’s holiday period for issues like dead batteries, flat tires, and empty gas tanks.
Gas prices are likely to fluctuate before Independence Day. Oil prices surged recently in response to Israel’s strikes on Iran, increasing gasoline production costs. While analysts suggest this may be a short-term reaction, it’s too early to know whether prices will stabilize before the holiday.
As of June 20, Michigan drivers were paying $3.30 per gallon. That is approximately 30 cents per gallon less than last year’s holiday. Visit GasPrices.AAA.com for the latest gas price averages.
Air travel is reaching record-breaking numbers nationwide, with 5.84 million people flying, a 1.4 percent increase over last year’s previous high. This figure exclusively represents domestic leisure travel, counting complete round-trip itineraries as a single trip. This differs from TSA data, which tracks each individual airport screening separately and includes both domestic and international travel.
AAA data shows round-trip domestic flights averaging $810, up 4 percent from 2024. Travelers booking last-minute can find better deals by flying midweek (Tuesdays or Wednesdays).
Nearly 4.78 million people will travel nationwide by bus, train, or cruise, marking a 7.4 percent rise over last year. Cruising continues to fuel this growth, particularly in peak Alaska cruise season.
According to INRIX, expect heavy road congestion on Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6. The busiest times will be afternoons, while mornings offer the best escape from traffic.
Drivers should remain alert for construction delays, crashes, and severe weather. AAA reminds all motorists to Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders assisting roadside travelers.
“We encourage travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect their plans,” Haas said. “Unexpected disruptions like flight delays, lost luggage, or medical emergencies can turn a dream vacation into a stressful experience. Travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring you can enjoy your Independence Day getaway with confidence.”
The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as the nine-day period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. Historically, this holiday period included only one weekend. The expanded travel window was instituted starting in 2024 with historical results calculated back to 2019 using the new nine-day period.
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states, including Michigan, and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 65 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow AAA on social media.
To better reflect holiday travel trends, AAA’s forecast now accounts for two weekends, capturing extended trips and varied departure schedules.
In Michigan, travel is expected to reach historic levels, with more than 2.6 million Michiganders hitting the road, skies, and rails – that’s up 71,000 (nearly 3 percent) from last year.
Nearly 2.4 million Michigan residents will take a road trip, a 2.5 percent increase from last year. Nearly 96,000 Michigan residents will fly domestically, 1 percent increase from a year ago, while more than 160,000 Michiganders will take buses, trains, or cruises, an increase of 7 percent from this time last year.
“Independence Day is one of the most popular times for travel, with Americans eager to take advantage of summer vacation opportunities,” AAA Travel Vice President Debbie Haas said. “This year, we’re seeing strong demand for road trips, flights, and cruises, especially with the holiday falling on a Friday. This is allowing travelers to extend their getaways and make lasting memories with loved ones.”
Nationally, AAA estimates 61.6 million Americans will drive — a 2.2 percent increase from last year and the highest number ever recorded. 1.3 million more road travelers are expected compared to 2024.
Drivers should prepare their vehicles in advance, as AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls nationwide during last year’s holiday period for issues like dead batteries, flat tires, and empty gas tanks.
Gas prices are likely to fluctuate before Independence Day. Oil prices surged recently in response to Israel’s strikes on Iran, increasing gasoline production costs. While analysts suggest this may be a short-term reaction, it’s too early to know whether prices will stabilize before the holiday.
As of June 20, Michigan drivers were paying $3.30 per gallon. That is approximately 30 cents per gallon less than last year’s holiday. Visit GasPrices.AAA.com for the latest gas price averages.
Air travel is reaching record-breaking numbers nationwide, with 5.84 million people flying, a 1.4 percent increase over last year’s previous high. This figure exclusively represents domestic leisure travel, counting complete round-trip itineraries as a single trip. This differs from TSA data, which tracks each individual airport screening separately and includes both domestic and international travel.
AAA data shows round-trip domestic flights averaging $810, up 4 percent from 2024. Travelers booking last-minute can find better deals by flying midweek (Tuesdays or Wednesdays).
Nearly 4.78 million people will travel nationwide by bus, train, or cruise, marking a 7.4 percent rise over last year. Cruising continues to fuel this growth, particularly in peak Alaska cruise season.
According to INRIX, expect heavy road congestion on Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6. The busiest times will be afternoons, while mornings offer the best escape from traffic.
Drivers should remain alert for construction delays, crashes, and severe weather. AAA reminds all motorists to Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders assisting roadside travelers.
“We encourage travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect their plans,” Haas said. “Unexpected disruptions like flight delays, lost luggage, or medical emergencies can turn a dream vacation into a stressful experience. Travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring you can enjoy your Independence Day getaway with confidence.”
The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as the nine-day period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. Historically, this holiday period included only one weekend. The expanded travel window was instituted starting in 2024 with historical results calculated back to 2019 using the new nine-day period.
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America with more than 13 million members across 14 U.S. states, including Michigan, and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 65 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com, and follow AAA on social media.
