We Energies Delays Oak Creek Coal Plant Closure Again

Utility cites high energy demand as reason for extended operations.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:15am

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a single polished black lump of coal resting on a clean, monochromatic background, dramatically lit from the side to cast deep shadows and symbolize the complex energy transition challenges facing the utility.A single lump of coal stands as a symbol of the difficult decisions utilities must make to balance short-term energy demands with long-term sustainability goals.Oak Creek Today

We Energies, a Wisconsin utility company, has announced another delay in the closure of its aging coal-fired power plant in Oak Creek. The company said in regulatory filings that it is considering keeping two coal units at the Oak Creek Power Plant open into 2027, pushing back the initial planned shutdown from 2023 to 2025 and now 2027.

Why it matters

The continued operation of the coal plant is at odds with the state's and utility's own clean energy goals, raising questions about the balance between meeting short-term energy needs and transitioning to more sustainable power sources long-term.

The details

We Energies initially planned to shut down the Oak Creek coal plant in 2023, but later pushed that timeline to 2025. Now, the utility says it is considering keeping two of the plant's coal units open into 2027 to meet high energy demand periods, further delaying the transition away from fossil fuels.

  • We Energies initially planned to shut down the Oak Creek coal plant in 2023.
  • The closure was later pushed back to 2025.
  • Now, We Energies is considering keeping two coal units open until 2027.

The players

We Energies

A Wisconsin utility company that operates the Oak Creek coal-fired power plant.

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What’s next

State regulators will need to review and approve We Energies' plans to extend operations at the Oak Creek coal plant beyond the previously announced 2025 closure date.

The takeaway

The continued delay in shutting down the Oak Creek coal plant highlights the challenges utilities face in balancing short-term energy needs with long-term sustainability goals, as the transition to cleaner energy sources remains an ongoing process.