In January 2026, Winter Storm Fern severely affected the United States with heavy snow, ice, and extremely low temperatures, leading to power outages for millions, especially in Tennessee. While natural gas prices surged, the national electric grid remained stable, largely due to the significant role of coal-fired power generation, which increased from about 70 to 130 gigawatt-hours per day during the peak of the storm. This surge in coal power was crucial for maintaining electricity and heat to millions of homes.
• Coal generation provided substantial and reliable electricity during extreme cold, accounting for significant portions of electricity in regions like MISO and PJM.
• In contrast, renewable energy sources like wind and solar faced limitations due to weather impacts.
• Coal plants, having improved winterization and operational readiness since previous storms, were able to function effectively, supported by federal actions to increase coal output.
• The Department of Energy and grid authorities warned against the risks of retiring coal resources without proper replacements as electricity demand is on the rise.
• Coal remains vital for economic and strategic reasons, balancing reliability, affordability, and performance in the energy mix.
Winter Storm Fern highlighted coal's indispensable role in ensuring grid stability during extreme weather. A solid energy strategy should include diverse resources, emphasizing reliability and the continuation of coal in the energy portfolio.
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