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US DOE orders Colorado Coal Plant to Remain Online Through Summer

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US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on Friday issued an emergency order requiring a Colorado coal-fired plant scheduled for retirement to remain operational through the summer.

DOE cited concerns about electricity reliability during peak demand periods. This order is in effect from June 29 through Sept. 26.

The order directs Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Platte River Power Authority, Salt River Project, PacifiCorp, and Public Service Company of Colorado, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, to undertake all measures necessary to ensure that Craig Unit 1 is available to operate at the direction of the Southwest Power Pool, according to the statement.

Unit 1 of the coal plant was originally due to shut down by the end of 2025. The latest directive marks the third emergency order issued by Wright to keep the unit available, following similar actions in December 2025 and March 2026.

"Taking reliable generation off the grid compromises energy reliability and needlessly raises energy costs for Americans," said Energy Secretary Wright, adding, "During peak summer demand, Coloradans deserve continued access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy to power and cool their homes."

DOE said the move is in line with the Trump administration's efforts to prevent the retirement of coal-fired power plants.

According to the department, over 17 gigawatts of coal-fired generating capacity scheduled for retirement in 2025 have been preserved.

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