It is possible to do some of these steps and not others, but we recommend all of them, especially if Consumers Energy and its regulator Michigan Public Service Commission do not agree of themselves to delay closure of the Campbell after Ottawa County requests them to do so:
Step 1: Ottawa County township boards and county board pass a resolution to delay the closure of the Campbell.
Step 2: Ottawa County township boards and county board discuss with Wolverine Power the possibility of joining Wolverine Power in litigation against Consumers Energy over their precipitous and ill advised planned 2025 closure and demolition of the Campbell. This should include filing for a court order to delay the closure of the Campbell. There is a strong case to be made, because grid operator MISO recommends delay of plant closures under current grid circumstances.
Step 3: Form an electric coop of Ottawa County townships currently without municipalized electric (or at least those which are without it currently but would like to move towards having it) and begin discussing with relevant parties (the Ottawa County Board, municipalized electric entities in the County, Wolverine Power, the MMEA, etc.) the possibility of purchasing Consumers Energy’s interest in the Campbell and having a service contract with Consumers Energy for a certain term to run the Campbell.
Step 4: Pursue a home rule county charter for Ottawa County for a certain trial period which would facilitate the County’s ability to prevent the Campbell’s premature closure/demolition. An example draft charter based on Macomb County’s is provided here.
Step 5: Encourage state legislators to amend Michigan law not to discriminate against environmentally responsible use of coal for electric generation so as to place it on a firmer legal basis long term.