Consumers Energy proposes new natural gas plant in Bay County

BAY CO., Mich. (WNEM) — New plant. Familiar neighborhood.

Consumers Energy wants to build a natural gas plant at its Karn Energy Center in Bay County. At an open house Wednesday, residents got a chance to review the plans, ask questions and share feedback.

For resident Sandra Miner, the proposal shows promise.

“I’m definitely going to keep my eye on things. But I think that so far, they’re going in the right direction,” Miner said.

The area has a long history of keeping the lights on. The neighboring Weadock coal plant opened in 1940 and retired in 2016. Demolition began the following year.

Now, Consumers is proposing another chapter.

David Hicks, Consumers Energy’s vice president of electric supply, said two existing units have operated since 1975 and are reaching the end of their useful lives. The company plans to replace them with two new natural gas turbines.

Consumers says the project would bring construction jobs, permanent positions and local tax revenue.

But there are still steps ahead. The proposal needs approval from local government and the Michigan Public Service Commission. Consumers aims to have the plant built by 2031.

The company is also proposing a natural gas plant in Thetford Township in Genesee County. Both projects are part of its long-term Energy Supply Plan.