We Energies Kenosha County coal plant closed down

PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. (AP) — One of Wisconsin’s largest coal-fired power plants has permanently closed.

We Energies says its plant in Pleasant Prairie, in Kenosha County, was taken off line this week. The utility company previously announced it would be closing the coal-fired plant because of changing energy economics. More utilities are using natural gas and renewable-energy sources nowadays.

The shutdown comes at a time when We Energies is facing some resistance from people living near its Oak Creek coal plant. They have complained about coal dust that’s been settling in their neighborhood.

We Energies officials say they will take steps to reduce and monitor the dust.