Consumers Energy has purchased the Covert Generating Station in Van Buren County and is now operating the 1,200-megawatt, natural gas fired plant. The utility says it produces enough energy to power over a million homes and began operating in 2004. The 29 workers at the plant are expected to become Consumers Energy employees as the transition proceeds. Company officials say they are doing their part to ensure there is a cost-effective, reliable energy supply to meet the state’s needs. Covert joins two other natural gas plants in Zeeland and Jackson, along with coal, hydroelectric, pumped storage, wind and solar energy sources that will serve customers as temperatures rise and air conditioners turn on. Consumers says its final coal-burning power plants will be closed by mid-2025.
