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DOE Acts to Ensure Key Coal-fired Power Plants Are Available in MISO to Supply Peak Summer Demands

LCG, May 18, 2026--The U.S. Secretary of Energy today issued an emergency order to address critical grid reliability issues in the Midwest anticipated this summer. The order is in effect beginning on May 19, 2026, through August 16, 2026. The emergency order directs the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), in coordination with Consumers Energy, to ensure that the J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant (Campbell Plant) in West Olive, Michigan shall take all steps necessary to remain available to operate and to minimize costs for the region.

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EPA Announces Proposed Rule Action to Revise ELG's and Support Reliable, Affordable Coal-fired Power Plants

LCG, May 14, 2026--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it is proposing a rule to revise wastewater limits, known as effluent limitations guidelines (ELG), for steam electric power plants that will help improve grid reliability and lower electricity prices while continuing to support clean and safe water resources. If finalized, the EPA's proposal is estimated to reduce electricity generation costs by as much as $1.1 billion annually, which could provide cost-savings to American consumers.

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Industry News

Reliant Fined in Plant Shutdown Case

LCG, Feb. 3, 2002--The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Friday released documents and announced a $13.8 million fine based on what a commissioner called "blatant" actions by Reliant Resources to drive up power prices in June 2000 by shutting down power plants in California.

Transcripts of conversations between traders for Reliant that were provided to the FERC indicated that multiple plants were taken out of the market on June 21 and June 22, about one month after prices in the Western power market had begun to climb from previous levels. One trader, whose identity was not given, stated in one transcript, "We decided prices were too low on the daily market, so we shut down everything except Ormond." In another conversation, a trader asked about shutdowns, "Did the market find out?" The answer was "No, God, no." Transcripts were posted on the FERC website.

The Sacramento Bee reported that Mike Florio, an attorney on the board of the California Independent System Operator, said that during the period in question, "roughly 8,000 to 10,000 megawatts disappeared from the Power Exchange market, virtually overnight." Many plant operators said that prolonged running of plants at high capacity made it necessary to take plants down for maintenance.

Reliant Resources will be required to have shutdowns at its plants during the next two years overseen by an independent engineering firm, which will need to provide updates to federal authorities. The fine imposed on Reliant was assessed based on FERC's calculation of the overall impact on buyers of power at the time. The fine will be allocated to individual participants, such as the state's utilities, after specific impacts have been determined.

The amount of the fine was strongly criticized by Gov. Gray Davis, who deemed it "insulting." State Sen. Debra Bowen, D-Marina del Rey, said claims by generators that all possible capacity had been provided to the market had been shown to be "an absolute farce."
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