The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) has ordered Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) and CenterPoint Energy to keep running certain coal-fired power units in Indiana past their planned retirement dates. This decision is part of an emergency response to current energy supply challenges.
1. Emergency Order: On December 23, 2025, the DOE issued “emergency” orders affecting three coal-fired units in Indiana with a total capacity of more than 950 MW. NIPSCO and CenterPoint had intended to shut these units down by December 31, 2025.
2. Reasoning for the Order: The DOE argues that there is an emergency in parts of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region due to increasing energy demand and a shortage of reliable energy sources following the retirement of several generation facilities.
3. Duration of the Order: The coal units must continue operating until at least March 23, 2026, but the DOE has the option to extend this order if deemed necessary.
4. Historical Context: The DOE has previously issued similar emergency orders to prevent other power plants from retiring, totaling around 3.1 GW across various states, citing similar concerns about energy emergencies.
5. Concerns from Advocacy Groups: The Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, an advocacy group, has raised concerns that keeping these coal units operational will lead to higher electricity bills for consumers. They emphasize that the costs of running outdated and less efficient coal plants may lead to further financial strain on customers.
6. Legal Challenges: Some of the DOE's previous emergency orders are currently being challenged in federal appeals court by various state attorneys general and advocacy groups, who argue that the DOE has not sufficiently proven the existence of an energy emergency.
7. Additional Context: These orders come amid a backdrop of policy changes affecting renewable energy projects, including a recent freeze on offshore wind projects under the previous administration. There is a growing debate about the reliance on coal versus the transition to renewable energy sources.
The DOE's recent orders to keep coal units running reflect significant challenges in the U. S. energy landscape, marked by increasing demand and capacity shortages. While aimed at addressing immediate supply issues, the long-term implications on energy costs and the transition to cleaner sources remain contentious topics among stakeholders.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/doe-indiana-coal-nipsco-centerpoint-emergency-order/808660/
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