Consumers Energy drops plans for coal-fired plant

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http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9RCK6T00.htm

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The utility said Friday it's canceling the project because of declining demand for electricity due to the weak economy and surplus generating capacity in the Midwest. Another factor is low prices for another fuel, natural gas.

Consumers announced the 830-megawatt coal plant at its Karn-Weadock complex on Saginaw Bay in 2007. But the utility said last year it was putting the project on hold. Now, Consumers is abandoning it for good.

The utility says it will spend $1.6 billion on air-quality improvements at its five primary coal-fired units and expects to phase out seven smaller coal-fired generators over the next several years.

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