TVA Board Votes to Extend Operations at Two Major Coal Plants

Reversal of earlier retirement plans cites rising power demand and regulatory changes

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board voted to extend operations at two of its largest coal-fired power plants, the Cumberland and Kingston fossil plants, citing a significant increase in electricity demand and changes in the regulatory outlook for coal. The decision keeps more than 3,000 megawatts of coal-fired generation online, enough to power over 2 million homes across the Tennessee Valley.

Why it matters

This decision by the TVA board to maintain coal generation capacity runs counter to broader industry trends toward renewable energy and away from fossil fuels. It highlights the challenges utilities face in balancing energy demands, regulatory pressures, and their mission to provide reliable and affordable power to customers.

The details

The TVA board voted to authorize continued operation of both units at the Cumberland fossil plant and all nine units at the Kingston fossil plant. This reverses earlier plans to retire these coal units and replace them with natural gas generation. TVA cited a 'significant increase in electricity demand' and a 'significant change in the regulatory outlook, particularly for coal' as the key factors behind the decision.

  • The TVA board voted on the decision on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • A previous TVA board had approved retiring the coal units at Cumberland and Kingston, with plans to replace them with natural gas generation.

The players

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation's largest public power provider, supplying electricity to more than 10 million people across seven Southeastern states.

Tom Rice

TVA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, who recommended the board authorize continued operation of the coal units.

Don Moul

TVA President and CEO, who said the decision to maintain over 3,000 megawatts of coal generation is 'incredibly important' to meet demand growth and align with the TVA's mission.

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What they’re saying

“Most significantly is a significant increase in electricity demand and the declaration of an energy emergency. We've also seen a significant change in the regulatory outlook, particularly for coal, and that creates both the opportunity and the need for us to revisit these decisions.”

— Tom Rice, TVA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (wkdzradio.com)

“So to have over 3,000 megawatts to be essentially maintained on our system while we continue to build our assets for the future is incredibly important.”

— Don Moul, TVA President and CEO (wkdzradio.com)

“In the end, what we do lines up with the TVA Act, Least Cost Planning Principles, serving our mission to the people of the valley, meeting the demand growth, and that aligns with what the Trump administration wants to do with unleashing American energy dominance.”

— Don Moul, TVA President and CEO (wkdzradio.com)

What’s next

TVA will seek necessary permits, fund continued investments, and enter fuel supply contracts to support the ongoing operations of the Cumberland and Kingston coal plants.

The takeaway

This decision by the TVA board highlights the complex balancing act utilities face in meeting growing energy demands, adhering to environmental regulations, and maintaining reliable power generation. It underscores the continued role of coal in the U.S. energy mix, even as the industry faces increasing pressure to transition toward renewable sources.