US Extends Emergency Order to Keep Craig Coal Plant Open

The Department of Energy has extended an emergency order to prevent the closure of an aging coal plant in Colorado.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 6:08pm

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A minimalist illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the challenges of transitioning away from coal power in Colorado.As Colorado moves away from fossil fuels, an emergency order extends the life of one of the state's last remaining coal plants.Craig Today

The United States Department of Energy has extended an emergency order that will keep an aging coal plant in Craig, Colorado open beyond its initial retirement date. The order was first issued in late December, just one day before the Craig Station's Unit 1 plant was scheduled to shut down. Energy Secretary Chris Wright cited the need to maintain grid reliability and avoid potential power shortages as the reasons for extending the emergency order.

Why it matters

The Craig coal plant is one of the last remaining coal-fired power plants in Colorado, a state that has been rapidly transitioning to renewable energy sources in recent years. The extension of the emergency order highlights the ongoing challenges in phasing out fossil fuels and maintaining a reliable electricity grid as the energy landscape continues to evolve.

The details

The Department of Energy first issued the emergency order on December 30, 2025, just one day before the Craig Station's Unit 1 plant was scheduled to retire. The order allows the plant to continue operating beyond its initial closure date. Energy Secretary Chris Wright cited the need to maintain grid reliability and avoid potential power shortages as the reasons for extending the order.

  • The Department of Energy first issued the emergency order on December 30, 2025.
  • The Craig Station's Unit 1 plant was originally scheduled to close on December 31, 2025.

The players

United States Department of Energy

The federal agency responsible for policies and programs related to energy, nuclear energy, energy conservation, fossil fuels, and alternative energy sources.

Chris Wright

The current Energy Secretary of the United States, appointed by the President to oversee the Department of Energy.

Craig Station

A coal-fired power plant located in Craig, Colorado that is one of the last remaining coal plants in the state.

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What they’re saying

“We must maintain grid reliability and avoid potential power shortages as Colorado continues its transition to renewable energy.”

— Chris Wright, Energy Secretary, United States Department of Energy

What’s next

The Department of Energy will continue to monitor the situation and may further extend the emergency order if necessary to ensure grid stability.

The takeaway

This emergency order extension highlights the ongoing challenges in phasing out fossil fuels and maintaining a reliable electricity grid as Colorado and other states work to transition to renewable energy sources.