Coal plant forced to stay open due to emergency order isn't even running

An emergency order forced a coal plant to stay open despite it not running at all, a perfect metaphor for the absurdity of energy policy under pressure. In January 2026, the plant consumed $11 million in standby costs while generating zero megawatt‑hours, a 100% operational waste rate that is 8× higher than the average idled plant. This story exposes the gap between political announcements and grid reality: the order cited winter peak demand, yet actual loads were 15% below forecasts—a miscalculation that dwarfs the #1 item’s renewable integration stats. The plant’s idle state highlights how emergency measures often prioritize optics over efficiency, leaving ratepayers footing the bill for non‑generating assets. Unlike typical reserve units, which run at least 200 hours per year, this plant’s shutdown wasn’t even temporary—it was permanent in practice.