Demolition of Trenton power plant postponed until March

Demolition of the former Trenton Channel power plant smokestacks in Trenton, Michigan, has been delayed until late March. The plant’s owner, Detroit Edison—a subsidiary of DTE Energy—had originally planned for the demolition to take place Feb. 23.

Utility spokesperson Cindy Hecht tells the Detroit Free Press the original demo date was tentative and the company decided late Monday to change the date. A new date has not been set.

Hecht tells the Free Press weather was not a deciding factor, but the National Weather Service forecasted strong wind gusts, a possible tornado, hail and snowstorms this week, which could lead to power outages.

The nearly century-old coal-fired facility, which has been idled since 2022, is expected to be redeveloped, with a second phase of demolition set for May 17.

As reported by the Free Press, DTE Energy announced the plant would be retired as part of an effort by the utility to move toward cleaner, more renewable sources of power generation.