Will Trump’s environmental policy change Coal’s use; Utilities respond with a No
Since Trump’s election, utilities continue to replace/retire coal plants in favor of new plants or future plants. When facings such decisions utility executives cite technology and customers as a factor more than any of Trump’s statements or latest tweet. Six coal plants have announced closure since his election.
Utilities plan for decades ahead. Whether a President wants to use more coal really has no bearing on any power plant or power plant development. Technology has caused solar, wind and non-fuel using energy creation to be nearly as economical as any fossil-fuel generation. Considering the technology advances that are just on the horizon and customer’s changing use pattern and preferences you have some easy decisions for utility and power generation executives.
Retire coal plants. Energy demand is falling so a replacement might not be needed immediately. When the demand for additional electricity is demonstrated or forecasted, a non-fuel generation choice of wind or solar is considered. Natural gas has been used as a replacement for coal generation for at least 8 years due to its lower cost and abundant supply.
NIPSCO’s recent decision to close Baily Generating Station in northwest Indiana follows this pattern. By 2023 NIPSCO will go from generating 90% of electricity from coal to less than 40%. This decrease in coal’s dominance, will still leave NIPSCO with more coal generation than many neighboring utilities.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
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