JACKSON, MI –

plans to purchase a power plant on the ea

Consumers Energy is planning to buy the DPC Juniper power plant at 2219 Chapin St., pictured here in a biographical sketch, for $155 million. (Courtesy photo | Consumers Energy)

st side of Jackson for $155 million — a move that will backburner plans to build a $700 million natural gas plant in Genesee County.

The Jackson-based utility announced Thursday, Jan. 30 it is buying the DPC Juniper gas-fired plant — formerly the Kinder Morgan power plant — at 2219 Chapin St.

That plant was valued at $250 million when it opened in 2002 and employs about 20 people to generate and sell electricity. The 540 megawatt natural gas plant is at the site of the former Goodyear factory.

The purchase of the Jackson plant means the anticipated 750-megawatt natural gas-fired plant in Genesee County will be put on hold, Consumers Energy officials said. The proposed timeline for the project had construction starting this year and completing in 2017.

The construction also was expected to create an estimated 600 jobs for workers, including skilled trades, and another 30 permanent jobs once the facility was up and running. (Related: Consumers Energy plant in Thetford Township would have brought 600 construction jobs next year)

We will have more on this developing story throughout the day. Join us for a live chat with Consumers Energy officials at 10 a.m. today at mlive.com/jackson.