We recently shared thoughts on the challenges facing energy markets as recent increased power demand and price spikes have confronted policymakers tasked with balancing the need for reliable energy and affordable electricity. In an interview with the Washington Examiner our underlying message was that the nation’s coal fleet has an important role to play as part of a diverse energy grid. An all-the-above approach to energy allows grid operators to rely on some energy sources when others are too expensive or not available. Key excerpts from the interview are below:
“The best way to avoid this problem in the future is to prevent premature coal retirements, because if you keep sending the signal to the market, and as you have less and less coal, then obviously it becomes challenging to keep the coal supply chain healthy,” America’s Power President and CEO Michelle Bloodworth said.
And
“There’s got to be some certainty as the grid transition takes place and some recognition that we are going to need … the remaining coal fleet,” Bloodworth said.
“We believe that it’s the wrong direction to eliminate any fuel,” she went on, adding, “We’re not against the grid transition. We all know what’s occurring, but we think it needs to be gradual and deliberate so we don’t have grid emergencies.”
You can read the Washington Examiner article here: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy-environment/daily-on-energy-coal-industry-looks-to-capitalize-on-demand-spike-with-reliability-argument