Federal government ordered OUC to keep coal plant running to support potential future data centers

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a 90-day emergency order on Thursday, requiring the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) to continue operating its 465-megawatt Stanton Unit 1 coal plant. This directive, which runs through September 1, contradicts OUC's long-standing plans since 2020 to transition the unit to natural gas or a "cold shutdown." The DOE cited the need to support potential future data center expansion in Florida, despite the North American Electric Reliability Corp.'s assessment of "normal risk" for the state's long-term energy adequacy.

OUC, which had already acquired the 475-megawatt Osceola peaking power plant as a backup and reported adequate capacity through 2035, has stated it will comply with the federal order. However, the decision has drawn criticism from Florida Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani, who argued the move would raise electricity costs for Orlando families and force them to pay a premium for "one of the most expensive ways OUC produces electricity." Eskamani emphasized the order's inconsistency with local planning and called on the federal delegation to reverse it, highlighting the environmental impact of propping up the coal industry.

The DOE's emergency order is part of a series of similar directives affecting multiple power plants, particularly coal-fired generators, with reissuances occurring as previous orders expire. The agency asserts that Section 202(c) emergency orders are justified even without imminent threats, addressing conditions likely to persist in future years.