MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) — Officials say the Presque Isle Power Plant in Michigan's Upper Peninsula should remain operating through at least 2014 to maintain reliable electricity service in the region.
The Mining Journal of Marquette reports (https://bit.ly/19zS2lB ) the assessment is from Midcontinent Independent System Operator Inc., which oversees the area's power grid. The Presque Isle plant's largest customer, Cliffs Natural Resources, told Wisconsin's We Energies in July that the mining company was switching its electric provider effective Sept. 1. Officials estimated the switch would save Cliffs roughly $25 million annually.
In September, We Energies filed a request to suspend operations at the Presque Isle plant beginning in February. The plant's long-term future is uncertain.
The Presque Isle plant employs 170 workers.