TVA Reverses Plans to Close Two Coal-Fired Power Plants

Nation's largest public utility now wants to keep operating aging coal plants in Tennessee

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation's largest public utility, has changed course and now wants to keep operating two coal-fired power plants it had previously planned to shutter. The utility says it is rethinking the coal plant closures due to regulatory changes and increasing demand for electricity, particularly from data centers. The decision has drawn criticism from clean energy groups who say it will prolong toxic pollution in the region.

Why it matters

TVA's reversal on closing the coal plants is a significant shift in its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. The decision raises questions about the utility's decision-making process and commitment to addressing climate change, especially as the Biden administration has pushed for a carbon-free energy sector by 2035.

The details

TVA had previously planned to shutter its remaining coal plants by 2035 in an effort to lower emissions. However, the utility now says it wants to keep operating the Kingston Fossil Plant and Cumberland Fossil Plant in Tennessee, while still introducing natural gas-fired plants at those locations. The new proposal would maintain the coal, gas, and battery storage, but drop the previously planned solar component. Clean energy advocates have criticized the move, saying it will prolong toxic pollution in the region.

  • 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, replaced by a 1,450-megawatt natural gas plant, and the second unit by the end of 2028.

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.

Scott Brooks

TVA spokesperson.

Gabi Lichtenstein

Tennessee Program Coordinator for Appalachian Voices, a clean energy advocacy group.

Donald Trump

Former U.S. President who fired TVA board members and signed executive orders aimed at helping the coal industry.

Don Moul

TVA's president and CEO.

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What they’re saying

“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 (insurancejournal.com)

“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, Appalachian Voices (insurancejournal.com)

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

TVA's reversal on closing the coal plants raises concerns about the utility's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the coal industry and the push for renewable energy, as well as the influence of the Trump administration's policies on the utility's decision-making.