DOE extends emergency operations at 2 Indiana coal plants

The U.S. Department of Energy on Monday issued emergency orders further extending the operation of three generating units at two Indiana coal plants that were slated to retire last year. The first orders to keep the units online were issued in December.

DOE has issued a series of orders using section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act to keep units at six fossil plants online since May.

Both Indiana plants were essential to grid operations during Winter Storm Fern in January, DOE said. And, “the emergency conditions that led to the issuance of the original orders persist.”