The Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors on Feb. 11 voted to take steps toward continued operation of the Kingston and Cumberland Fossil Plants beyond previously scheduled retirement dates.
TVA said the move aligns “with the Administration’s energy dominance strategy to prioritize domestic energy production that strengthens America’s economy and security.”
Kingston’s nine units have a summer net capability of 1,398 megawatts. It can generate approximately 10 billion kilowatt-hours a year. With a maximum rated gross output of 2,470 megawatts, the two-unit Cumberland plant is the largest generating asset in the TVA coal fleet.
“TVA is building America’s energy future while keeping the lights on today,” said Don Moul, TVA President and CEO. “Our mission is clear: provide reliable, affordable power for the 10 million people we serve. Taking steps to continue operations at Cumberland and Kingston and completing new generation under construction are essential to meet surging demand and power our region's growing economy.”
TVA said it is working closely with federal partners to ensure that every available megawatt is ready when needed.
Under the Board authorization, TVA will take steps to continue operation of the Cumberland and Kingston Fossil Plants alongside new natural gas generation currently under construction at both sites.
TVA will comply with all applicable laws and permitting requirements, including environmental safeguards, it noted.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, coal generation increased 31% during Winter Storm Fern –- accounting for 21% of U.S. power output -- while solar, wind and hydropower dropped significantly. TVA’s coal fleet reliably delivered 14% of the region’s power during peak demand on January 27, ensuring reliability when it mattered most, TVA said.
“Coal has been a backbone in TVA’s balanced portfolio for decades, and the Board’s authorization to continue operations at the plants ensures the important role they’ll play in the future," said Moul.
The Board recognized TVA employees and generating plants across the Valley as they played a critical role during the winter storms.
“From coal and gas units to hydro and nuclear facilities, TVA teams worked around the clock to keep the lights on for millions of homes and businesses. Their dedication ensured that, even under high demand and severe weather, the Tennessee Valley’s bulk power system remained secure and well-supplied,” TVA said.
“I want to thank every utility employee for their extraordinary efforts during these storms,” Moul said. “The storms tested our region’s power system, and TVA employees and local power company partners showed unwavering resolve to restore power as quickly as possible.”
