Coal Demand is Up and Utilities Recognize the Value of their Plants

U.S. coal generation is roaring. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. electric power sector consumed 15% more coal in the first half of 2025 than in the first half of 2024. Higher electricity demand and higher natural gas prices are driving the uptick. And it’s these two dynamics – along with ongoing […]

On October 15, 2025
Duke Energy Corporation, ICF International, Kentucky, Kentucky Utilities, Louisville Gas & Electric, North Carolina, power demand, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Wood Mackenzie

13Aug

Planned Coal Plant Retirements Crash into Energy Reality

Utilities are grappling with an unshakeable reality: they can’t meet soaring power demand without the existing coal capacity they have. One after another, utilities are dropping plans to close plants or are kicking retirements far down the road. Deliberately removing dispatchable capacity from grids at the same time they are facing record breaking—and growing—electricity demands, […]

On August 13, 2025
Arizona Public Service (APS), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), grid reliability, Kentucky, Kentucky Utilities, Louisville Gas & Electric, Mark Christie, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), New Mexico, PJM Interconnection, Tennessee Valley Authority, The Washington Post, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)