Washington, D.C. – Analysis by Energy Ventures Analysis (EVA) found that coal played a critical role in ensuring that electricity demand could be met during the January 2025 Polar Vortex. The analysis showed that dispatchable electricity resources (coal, natural gas, nuclear, and oil) generated 85% of the electricity needed across six of the most heavily impacted regions of the country.
“During extreme weather events like winter storms, coal-fired power plants continue to play a critical role in keeping the lights on and holding down electricity prices,” said Michelle Bloodworth, President and CEO of America’s Power. “This new analysis underscores the importance of having coal in our nation’s energy mix because coal offers reliability, affordability, and fuel security benefits that many other electricity sources cannot match.”
During the peak day of the cold weather event, electricity demand increased by an additional 149,000 megawatts (MW) across two-thirds of the U.S. compared to the month before. According to the EVA analysis, fossil fuels, including coal, provided more than 90% of the additional 149,000 MW. In comparison, wind was able to satisfy only 3% of this increased demand and solar less than 1%.
“These weather events are yet another reminder that America needs coal. As electricity demand continues to increase, coal plants will be critical to maintaining a dependable and affordable electricity supply. For example, the new analysis shows that coal saved PJM consumers as much as $500 million to $1.4 billion during the Polar Vortex. Despite the need for coal plants, almost one-third of the coal fleet has announced plans to retire over the next five years. The Polar Vortex is another example of why we need to stop retiring coal plants,” said Bloodworth.
You can read our blog summarizing the report here: Coal Was Essential During Polar Vortex
March 12, 2025