In 1968 , Consumers Power began construction of a nuclear power plant in Midland , Michigan , primarily for the Dow Chemical Company . However , construction issues caused delays and increased costs . The Three Mile Island accident in 1979 resulted in a massive change in nuclear regulatory requirements and system redesign . When it was revealed the containment buildings were settling and foundation cracks were discovered , Dow cancelled its contract with Consumers Power , and the project was abandoned in 1984 . The $ 4.1 billion investment nearly bankrupted Consumers Power . However , in 1985 , Consumers Power formed a partnership with eight other companies to convert Midland 's abandoned nuclear plant into a natural gas-fired power plant . Transformation of the plant began in 1986 and was completed at a cost of $ 500 million . The Midland Cogeneration Venture began producing power in 1991 and that success restored faith in Consumers Power
The Three Mile Island accident
Three Mile Island accident
Consumers Energy