Orders are intended to stabilize regional power grids during the winter months.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright (DOE) issued emergency orders requiring coal-fired power plants in Colorado and Indiana to remain operational during the winter. The order mandated Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State), Platte River Power Authority, Salt River Project, PacifiCorp, and Xcel Energy, in conjunction with the Western Area Power Administration—Rocky Mountain Region and Southwest Power Pool West, to ensure that Unit 1 at the Craig Station in Craig, Colorado, remains operational.
“Keeping these coal plants online has the potential to save lives and is just common sense,“ said Secretary Wright. “Americans deserve reliable power regardless of whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining during extreme winter conditions.”
The orders apply to units that had been scheduled for closure at the end of 2025 and directed utilities and grid operators to take necessary steps to ensure the continued availability of electricity through March 2026.
The department referenced recent reliability assessments warning of increased blackout risks as power generation capacity declines.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Wright to be discerning as he takes steps to ensure adequate power is available during the winter months.
- For U.S. energy officials and regional grid operators as they collaborate on emergency reliability measures.
- For utility workers maintaining energy infrastructure under heightened demand.
Sources: Department of Energy
