US EditionDOE Orders WA Coal Plant to Continue Operating Despite State Ban
The DOE cited rising electricity demand and risk of blackouts, ordering TransAlta to run Centralia Unit 2 until Mar 16, 2026, despite state coal phase-out laws.
- On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Energy ordered Canada-based power generation company TransAlta to keep the 730-MW Centralia Generating Station Unit 2 available until March 16, 2026, extending its planned retirement this month.
- The DOE said a utilities-commissioned report and a North American Electric Reliability Corporation analysis highlight blackout risks from coal retirements, weak renewables, electrification, and rising demand in the Northwest.
- The order directs TransAlta to make Unit 2 available at BPA or CAISO's direction and to take all measures necessary, while Wright told TransAlta to seek tariff waivers at FERC with rate recovery possible.
- Following the order, lawsuits are pending as state regulators and environmental advocacy groups say DOE must-run orders misuse authority, and the Sierra Club estimates roughly $65 million added costs to ratepayers, totaling $128 million.
- Despite Washington law, the DOE could issue orders for at least five other coal-fired plants, potentially costing U.S. utility customers up to $65 million each, according to Grid Strategies.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Trump Coal Plant Emergency Order Sparks Power Showdown
The Trump administration issued an emergency order Wednesday requiring a Washington state coal plant to stay operational through winter to prevent power outages across the Pacific Northwest. The order comes as federal energy officials warn of a sharp spike in electricity demand and increased blackout risks during the coldest months. Energy Secretary Chris Wright directed Canadian-owned TransAlta to keep Unit 2 of the Centralia Generating Station…
Donald Trump Illegally Extends Life of Centralia Generating Station Coal Plant, Driving Up Electricity Bills - CleanTechnica
Centralia, Washington — Yesterday, the Trump administration issued an ‘emergency’ order to forcibly and illegally extend operations of Centralia Generating Station past its scheduled retirement. The high cost to keep this aging coal plant online is expected to be passed onto residents in the region. In May, the Trump administration forced the J.H. Campbell ... [continued] The post Donald Trump Illegally Extends Life of Centralia Generating Stati…
The Center Square
Dailyfly - Lewis Clark Valley NewsWashington coal-fired plant ordered to remain open
(The Center Square) - The Trump administration on Wednesday issued an emergency order requiring a coal-fired power plant in Washington state to remain open this winter, citing a need to
Trump admin orders Washington state coal plant to stay running
The Trump administration has ordered another aging, costly coal plant to keep operating past its long-planned retirement date — this time in Centralia, Washington. On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order requiring Unit 2 of the TransAlta Centralia Generation power plant to keep running…
The Columbian
The Seattle TimesDOE orders WA coal plant to continue operating despite state ban
The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order Tuesday evening directing power generation company TransAlta to continue operating a coal plant in Centralia, despite a state law that requires utilities in Washington to stop using coal for power generation beginning next year. Read more...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
