Emergency order keeps Colorado coal unit running
DOE directs Craig Station Unit 1 to remain online, highlighting operational challenges for maintaining grid stability in the region.
Image for illustrative purposes
USA, Colorado, Craig: The US Department of Energy (DOE) issued an emergency order on 31 December 2025, to keep Unit 1 at the Craig Station coal plant in Colorado operational. The 427 MW unit had been scheduled to shut down at the end of 2025.
The order requires Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Platte River Power Authority, Salt River Project, PacifiCorp, and Xcel Energy, in coordination with the Western Area Power Administration—Rocky Mountain Region and Southwest Power Pool West, to take all measures necessary to ensure the unit remains available. DOE emphasised that the move aims to maintain regional grid stability, reduce blackout risks, and limit electricity costs.
Tri-State Generation noted that it is reviewing the order to determine how best to comply while managing costs and operational impacts.
The emergency measure will stay in effect until 30 March 30 2026.
Source: The American Public Power Association
👉 Read more about coal and grid stability
#blackout risks#Colorado#Craig#Craig Station coal plant#DOE#grid stability#US Department of Energy#USA