LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued another emergency order requiring the coal-fired J.H. Campbell Generating Plant in West Olive to remain available to operate.

Federal officials cite continued concerns about electric grid reliability in the Midwest.

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The order directs the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), working with Consumers Energy, to ensure the plant can operate when needed to meet emergency needs. It also directs MISO to employ economic dispatch only during hours necessary to meet the emergency while minimizing costs to ratepayers.

The latest extension runs from Nov. 15, 2026, through Feb. 12, 2027.

Campbell had been scheduled to close May 31, 2025—15 years before the end of its scheduled design life, according to DOE. U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said keeping facilities like Campbell available can help prevent outages during periods of high electricity demand.

“Ensuring coal plants such as the Campbell Plant are available to operate has prevented blackouts and likely saved lives,” Wright said in a statement. “Americans deserve access to affordable, reliable, and secure electricity regardless of whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining.”

The Energy Department said the emergency conditions behind its original order have continued.

The Trump administration has made keeping coal-fired power plants online part of its energy policy.