TVA Reconsiders Coal Plant Closures Amidst Rising Power Demand

Thu Feb 12 2026 00:37:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Tennessee Valley Authority plans to keep two coal-fired power plants open despite initial plans for closure, sparking backlash from clean energy advocates and raising concerns about environmental impact.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the largest public utility in the U.S., is shifting its strategy by considering the continued operation of two coal-fired power plants, Kingston and Cumberland, which were originally slated for closure by 2035. This decision has drawn criticism from environmental groups, who argue it undermines TVA's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. TVA cites increased electricity demands and regulatory shifts as key factors prompting the reconsideration, leading to concerns among local communities about potential pollution.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation's largest public utility, has announced a significant policy shift regarding its coal-fired power operations. Initially set to close the aging Kingston Fossil Plant and Cumberland Fossil Plant by 2035 to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, the TVA is now reconsidering these plans due to rising electricity demand and changing regulations.

TVA spokesperson Scott Brooks stated, As power demand grows, TVA is looking at every option to bolster our generating fleet to continue providing affordable, reliable electricity to our 10 million customers, create jobs and help communities thrive. However, this pivot toward extending the lifecycle of coal plants has provoked outrage among environmental advocates, who warn of the potential negative impacts on air quality and public health.

Organizations like Appalachian Voices criticize the utility's decision to maintain coal operations without sufficient public discussion or consideration of cleaner alternatives. Tennessee Program Coordinator Gabi Lichtenstein remarked, Without even a public meeting, TVA is telling the people who live near these coal plants that they will breathe in toxic pollution from not one, but two major power plants for the foreseeable future.

This decision comes in the wake of former President Trump's influence over TVA's board, which saw a shake-up that left it without a quorum, hindering its ability to make operational changes. With a quorum restored following new appointments, TVA's board is reconvening to discuss the future of coal and natural gas plants within their portfolio.

Environmental advocates highlight a growing concern about increased demand stemming from the rapid development of data centers, which now constitute a substantial portion of TVA's industrial electricity load. Critics argue that TVA must prioritize transitioning to renewable energy sources rather than prolonging reliance on fossil fuels like coal.

As TVA prepares for its upcoming board meeting, the debate over coal's role in its energy strategy continues to escalate, balancing reliability, affordability, and environmental stewardship in a rapidly changing energy landscape.