DOE Orders OUC's 465-MW Coal Unit in Florida to Continue Running Amid Energy Demand
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a 90-day emergency order to the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) to keep its 465-MW coal-fired Stanton Unit 1 operational. This decision, made on June 4, 2026, under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, aims to address an ongoing energy emergency in Florida. The state is experiencing rising electricity demand and potential shortages that could lead to power outages affecting homes and businesses. OUC, serving approximately 288,000 electric and water customers in the Orlando area, will comply with the order and delay the planned cold shutdown of the unit. The utility is required to file tariff revisions with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to recover any additional costs incurred. This action is part of a series of similar DOE interventions affecting coal-fired plants across the nation. 
