A coalition of industrial, business, and environmental groups in Michigan is challenging a proposal that would require them to cover the costs of a coal power plant kept online past its scheduled retirement date.

The Department of Energy claimed that the Midcontinent Independent System Operator faced an "energy emergency," according to Utility Dive, which summarized the dispute over the fate of the 1,560-megawatt coal-fired J.H. Campbell plant in West Olive, Michigan. 

The plant was originally scheduled to close on May 31, but the DOE issued a 90-day emergency order keeping it online until Nov. 19, with additional extensions possible. 

Groups like the Sierra Club and Earthjustice, along with Michigan's attorney general, are challenging the order in court, asserting that there is no emergency. 

Further, a coalition of groups representing customers claims that the grid operator's proposal to recoup costs fails to meet the ratemaking principle that parties pay for the costs that they cause, according to Utility Dive. 

"Given that the Campbell units are being retained for capacity and resource adequacy purposes under the DOE Order, using an energy based load ratio share instead of a demand based load share deviates from cost causation principles and therefore, is unjust and unreasonable," the groups said.

Currently, coal plants across the country are powering down for good as people discover the benefits of clean, renewable energy options like solar. Depending on the setup, installing solar panels can save homeowners $3,000 or more a year, while slashing their output of planet-warming pollutants.

However, the upfront costs of solar can be a challenge for many households, which is where leasing comes in. Palmetto is one company that offers solar panel leasing. 

FROM OUR PARTNER Save $10,000 on solar panels — or get them on your roof without paying for purchase or installation Whatever your solar budget, Palmetto can help you save. If you want to buy your own panels, Palmetto's concierge advisors can help you save up to $10,000 on installation through a network of preferred installers. And if you'd rather get solar savings without upfront costs, Palmetto's revolutionary LightReach subscription program can deliver. LightReach lets you lease solar panels with no money down, making it painless to lock in long-term savings. Palmetto covers a 25-year warranty for the panels, which means you'll get reliable performance without unforeseen costs. To get started, just answer a few basic questions about your home and connect with Palmetto's experts to find the option that's right for you. Start Saving

Through its LightReach program, customers can minimize upfront costs while reaping long-term energy savings. Some of Palmetto's plans require zero money down.

Leasing isn't for everyone, however. If you're interested in installing your own solar panels, EnergySage offers free tools to compare estimates for purchasing and installation.

If you're still on the fence between leasing and buying, Palmetto has a handy article outlining the pros and cons of each option. 

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