U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has issued an emergency order to keep Unit 1 at the Craig Station coal plant in Colorado operational through the winter. The decision aims to address grid reliability concerns and reduce the risk of blackouts as colder months approach.
The order, which was announced in Washington, directs Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Platte River Power Authority, Salt River Project, PacifiCorp, and Xcel Energy to work with the Western Area Power Administration—Rocky Mountain Region and Southwest Power Pool West. Their goal is to ensure that Unit 1 at Craig Station remains available for operation. The unit was previously scheduled for shutdown at the end of 2025.
The Department of Energy stated that keeping this coal plant online is essential for maintaining a stable electric grid in the region. The move also aims to minimize electricity costs for consumers and avoid potential blackout expenses.
“On Day One, President Trump declared an energy emergency and directed the government to reverse the dangerous energy subtraction policies of the previous administration,” said Energy Secretary Wright. “Keeping this coal plant online will ensure Americans maintain an affordable, reliable, and secure supply of electricity. The Trump Administration is committed to lowering energy costs and keeping American families safe.”
According to DOE’s Resource Adequacy Report, power outages could become significantly more frequent by 2030 if reliable sources like coal plants are retired without sufficient replacement capacity.
The emergency order takes effect on December 30, 2025, and will remain in place until March 30, 2026.
