The electric utility is expected to invest about $750m in the project, which would create nearly 600 construction jobs.
The power plant will be located in Thetford Township, where Consumers Energy owns the 272-acre site that features access to high-volume natural gas delivery and high-voltage transmission lines.
In addition, the proposed power generating station would create an estimated 30 operating jobs once it is completed. The facility will generate enough power to serve a community of about 445,000 people.
Construction at the project site is likely to begin in 2015, while the new gas-fired power plant may begin serving Consumers Energy’s electric customers in 2017.
The company requires to obtain various permits and approvals, including air permit and financing, for the development of the project.
The firm was due to file an air permit application on 14 December 2012, while a certificate of necessity application is expected to be filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission in 2013.
Consumers Energy president and chief executive John Russell the development of this project is consistent with the firm’s Balanced Energy Initiative, a plan to meet energy needs of its customers over the next 20 years.
"This proposed plant will use state-of-the-art technology to help meet the future needs of our 1.8 million electric customers in an environmentally responsible manner," Russell added.
Consumers Energy serves about 6.8 million natural gas and electricity customers in Michigan.
