Archive for category: General Information

Coal-fired electricity generation in the lower 48 states rose sharply during the week ending January 25, 2026, increasing 31% as Winter Storm Fern drove up power demand, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This jump contrasted with earlier in the month, when mild weather kept coal use below January 2025 levels. Natural gas generation also grew 14% during the storm week, while solar, wind, and hydropower output declined and nuclear generation remained steady. Coal supplied 21% of total U.S. electricity that week—up from 17%—making it the second‑largest source behind natural gas at 38%, with nuclear at 18%. The EIA noted that coal plants continue to serve as an important reliability resource during extreme weather and high‑demand periods, a pattern seen in previous cold snaps.

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As Winter Storm Fern swept across the region over the weekend, system operators closely tracked weather‑driven grid conditions, fuel pricing, and generation dispatch activity across the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). Despite the bitter cold and elevated electricity demand, the grid remained stable thanks to stronger‑than‑expected wind output and conservative operating measures that helped cushion the system during peak stress.

On Saturday, January 24, SPP issued a Conservative Operations Advisory at 2:40 PM. Wind generation proved essential, delivering roughly 3,000 MW more than forecast and helping offset load that ultimately came in slightly below expectations. This combination eased pressure on the system and kept real‑time energy prices below the day‑ahead levels established for the day.

Natural gas markets reflected the intensity of the storm, with the Southern Star weekend index settling near $40/MMBtu and spot purchases rising to around $60/MMBtu. Day‑ahead electricity prices ranged from $100/MWh to $350/MWh, while real‑time prices remained under $100/MWh through Hour Ending 09 before increasing to just over $150/MWh for Hour Ending 10—still below the posted day‑ahead levels. Three cities—Chapman, Girard, and Ottawa—were dispatched in the day‑ahead market.

Conditions on Sunday, January 25, changed very little. SPP remained in a Conservative Operations Advisory, set to expire Monday at noon, leaving the region one step below an EEA1 Alert. Wind generation continued to outperform expectations by 3,000–5,000 MW, providing reliable support during one of the coldest points of the storm. Market activity looked much like Saturday, with Southern Star gas prices holding near $40/MMBtu and spot trades around $50/MMBtu. Day‑ahead electricity prices increased slightly to a range of $240/MWh to $350/MWh, while real‑time prices again stayed below $100/MWh through Hour Ending 09 and rose to approximately $150/MWh for Hour Ending 10—still comfortably under day‑ahead pricing.

Generation activity from member cities was consistent across both days. Chapman, Girard, and Ottawa all had units dispatched in the day‑ahead market. Over the weekend, the City of Chapman generated a total of 57.64 MW, the City of Girard produced 25.72 MW, and the City of Ottawa generated 102.7 MW. No behind‑the‑meter unregistered units were instructed to run at any point during the storm.

Overall, Winter Storm Fern brought harsh temperatures and notable market volatility, but the grid performed remarkably well. Strong wind resources, slightly reduced load, responsive member generation, and proactive operational management all contributed to maintaining system reliability during one of the storm’s most demanding periods

Staff held a meeting with EMP representatives on Friday to update the members on the winter storm Fern.