Michigan's energy supply is provided primarily by private utility companies. In 2000, energy consumption per capita totaled 314 million Btu (79.1 million kcal), which ranked Michigan 36th among the 50 states. Coal is the principal source of fuel used in generating electric power, while natural gas is the major fuel used for other energy needs.
The installed electric generating capacity of electric utilities and industrial plants in 1999 was 25.5 million kW; total electric energy production totaled 103.4 billion kWh. Hydroelectric plants, which had produced more than 10% of the state's electric energy in 1947, yielded less than 0.5% in 1999; coal-fired steam units produced 68%, nuclear-powered units 14%, gas-fired generators 13%, and other units less than 5%. As of 2001, Michigan had four operating nuclear reactors, two at the Donald C. Cook plant in Berrion County, one at the Enrico Fermi plant near Detroit, and one at the Palisades facility near South Haven.
The two major electric utilities are Detroit Edison, serving the Detroit area and portions of the eastern part of the lower peninsula, and Consumers Power, serving most of the remainder of the lower peninsula. Rates of the utility companies are set by the Public Service Commission.
Michigan is dependent on outside sources for most of its fuel needs. Petroleum production in 2000 totaled 20,000 barrels per day; natural gas marketed production in 2002 was 275.4 billion cu ft (7.8 billion cu m), less than one-fourth of the natural gas consumed in the state. Proved petroleum reserves were 46 million barrels at the end of 2001, natural gas reserves, 3 trillion cu ft (0.08 trillion cu m). Bituminous coal reserves (estimated at 127.7 million tons) remain in southern Michigan, but production is negligible.