TVA Reverses Course on Closing Coal Plants

Nation's largest public utility now wants to keep operating two coal-fired power plants it had planned to shutter.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation's largest public utility, has signaled that it now wants to keep operating two coal-fired power plants it had previously planned to close by 2035. The utility cites regulatory changes and increasing electricity demand as reasons for the change in course, which would require further action from its board.

Why it matters

This decision by TVA, which serves 10 million customers in seven states, raises concerns among clean energy advocates about the utility's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The move also highlights the influence of the Trump administration's coal-friendly policies on the utility's decision-making.

The details

TVA had intended to shutter its remaining, aging coal plants by 2035 to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. However, the utility now says it is rethinking the coal plant closures due to regulatory changes and growing electricity demand, particularly from the rapid expansion of data centers. The new plan would still include introducing natural gas-fired plants at the Kingston Fossil Plant and Cumberland Fossil Plant locations in Tennessee, but would keep the existing coal plants operational.

  • In 2024, TVA planned for a 1,500-megawatt natural gas facility with 4 megawatts of solar and 100 megawatts of battery storage at the Kingston Fossil Plant, with the coal plant slated to close by the end of 2027.
  • In 2023, TVA planned to mothball its two-unit Cumberland coal plant in two stages - one unit by the end of 2026, and the second unit by the end of 2028, with options open on its replacement.

The players

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

The nation's largest public utility, which partners with local power companies to serve roughly 10 million people in seven states.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who fired enough TVA board members picked by his predecessor to leave the utility without a quorum, and signed executive orders aimed at helping the coal industry.

Don Moul

The president and CEO of TVA, who told investors the utility would reevaluate the lifespan of its coal plants in light of Trump's executive orders.

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What they’re saying

“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 is salt in the wound after ignoring widespread calls for cleaner, cheaper replacements for the Kingston and Cumberland coal plants.”

— Gabi Lichtenstein, Tennessee Program Coordinator for Appalachian Voices (Appalachian Voices)

“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.”

— Scott Brooks, TVA spokesperson (TVA)

What’s next

TVA's board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday in Kentucky to discuss the utility's plans for the coal-fired power plants.

The takeaway

This decision by TVA raises concerns about the utility's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources, especially in light of the influence of the Trump administration's coal-friendly policies on the utility's decision-making process.