Wisconsin-based utility We Energies announced on June 25 that the company plans to extend the operating lives of units 7 and 8 at the Oak Creek Power Plant and expects to have the units available to meet high energy demand periods through the end of 2026.
The plant was scheduled to retire at the end of 2025.
“The decision to postpone the retirement dates for these units is based on two critical factors: tightened energy supply requirements in the Midwest power market and the need to serve customers with safe, reliable and affordable energy — especially on the hottest and coldest days of the year,” it said.
“Reliability is at the forefront of everything we do. This decision will help us keep the lights on every day and every season,” said Mike Hooper, president — We Energies. “Just this month, national grid experts raised the alarm of elevated risks of power supply shortages and price spikes due to plant closures and increasing energy demand in the Upper Midwest. We will continue to evaluate the future of the plant based on capacity needs, available generation and what is financially prudent.”
Coal-fired Oak Creek units 7 and 8 were built and placed into service in the 1960s. They are equipped with modern environmental controls and have a total capacity of 610 megawatts.
We Energies noted it is actively planning, permitting or constructing more than 6,300 MW of new generation — including natural gas, wind, solar — and battery storage over the next five years to meet customers’ energy needs and provide enhanced grid stability.
The extension of the Oak Creek units is not expected to delay these projects.
