TVA Keeps Kingston Coal Plant Open, Citing Economic and Grid Benefits

Local officials and TVA leaders say the decision helps the community and power supply.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Following the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board's vote to continue operating all of its coal plants, including the Kingston Fossil Plant, TVA workers and officials in Roane County say the decision benefits the local economy and power generation. The Kingston Fossil Plant employs around 250 people, and its continued operation supports local businesses and the regional energy ecosystem. While some environmental upgrades are needed, TVA says the plant currently meets federal regulations.

Why it matters

The Kingston Fossil Plant has been a major economic driver in the region for decades, and its closure would have had significant impacts on the local community. The TVA's decision to keep the plant open helps preserve jobs and supports the broader energy infrastructure in the area, which is facing growing demand due to population growth and data center expansion.

The details

The Kingston Fossil Plant was previously slated to be shut down by the end of 2027, with plans to replace it with a natural gas, battery storage, and solar energy complex. However, the TVA board has now voted to continue operating the coal plant. Plant manager Jeff Kickert and TVA Vice President of Coal Operations Michael Bottorff say the plant currently employs around 250 people, and its continued operation provides an economic benefit to the community. Some environmental upgrades, like a new water treatment plant, will be needed for the plant to meet future regulations, but TVA says the plant currently exceeds requirements.

  • In 2008, the Kingston Fossil Plant was the site of a 1.1 billion gallon coal ash spill, the biggest industrial spill in U.S. history.
  • In 2014, the first national standard for coal waste was set up after the 2008 spill.
  • On Thursday, the EPA overturned a 2009 government declaration that determined carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare.

The players

Jeff Kickert

Kingston Fossil Plant manager.

Michael Bottorff

TVA Vice President of Coal Operations.

Wade Creswell

Roane County Executive.

Candace Vannasdale

Harriman Utility Board general manager.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

A federally owned corporation that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies in parts of seven southeastern states, including Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“It's an economic benefit to the community. These are great jobs. And not only does it affect the people that work at the plant, but all the little companies that support the plant and the mines that supply to the coal of the plant and all the people that work there and provide equipment to those.”

— Jeff Kickert, Kingston Fossil Plant manager (WATE)

“As Jeff mentioned, we're going to put in a water treatment plant and some other regulations. But the bottom line is, as far as environmental regulations, TVA currently meets – actually, we're better than the requirements – and we will continue to meet those legal environmental requirements.”

— Michael Bottorff, TVA Vice President of Coal Operations (WATE)

“When we come across that ridge or come over the bridge and you see those smokestacks, yeah, we know we're home. But it's much bigger than just the landmark. It is knowing what happens here every day, knowing that our people are playing such an important role in a national mission, such a critical mission in the region to make sure that we're not having rolling brownouts or anything like that.”

— Wade Creswell, Roane County Executive (WATE)

“In my role, I've had the privilege of working alongside TVA in partnership for several years now. I've been part of an initiative called Valley Vision. During that approximately a year and a half period, we evaluated all sorts of scenarios. one of the themes that was kind of hurting that growing demand was this extreme push toward decarbonization and shutting down these plants as fast as possible. You know, we all agree that eventually we will decarbonize the grid and we'll meet those goals, but to have a little bit of relief to make sure the power stays on is ultimately what we want.”

— Candace Vannasdale, Harriman Utility Board general manager (WATE)

What’s next

The TVA board's decision to keep the Kingston Fossil Plant open indefinitely means the plant will continue operating, with some environmental upgrades, to support the local economy and regional power grid.

The takeaway

The TVA's decision to keep the Kingston Fossil Plant open highlights the complex tradeoffs between economic, environmental, and energy security priorities. While the plant has a history of environmental issues, its continued operation is seen as crucial for preserving jobs and maintaining a reliable power supply in the region as it grapples with growing demand.