Race is on by Michigan utilities to end coal use

For 2019, the race will be on in earnest by large public utilities like DTE Energy Co. and Consumers Energy Co. to begin replacing retiring coal plants with renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, along with ramped-up efficiency programs to help residential and business customers reduce electricity use. Obama-era emission rules require coal plants to add expensive carbon capture and sequestration technology that most scientists say works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contributes to global warming and climate change. "Assumptions about the future costs, viability, and reliability of increasing levels of renewables and energy efficiency are critical to determining the optimal resource portfolio to serve our customers -- and these assumptions can change significantly over the course of just a few years," Dimitry said. Since DTE's last IRP was developed in 2017, Dimitry said, assumptions about electricity demand and capacity needs in 2030 have changed and only half the amount that was forecast is needed because of reduced demand and other factors. Jester said moving to EVs also will help electric customers with rising rates. Because EVs charge during off-hours, the increase in electricity used can offset the large fixed costs of the utilities, which can lower overall rates, he said.