Coal news and updates

Right now, the United States is suffering some brutally cold weather. Northern states like North Dakota and Minnesota have seen night-time temperatures dropping below zero degrees Fahrenheit. And Duluth is currently chasing a record for the coldest sustained weather, set way back in 1912.

 

These Arctic conditions are extremely challenging, and Americans are turning up their thermostats to stay warm. As a result, the current polar vortex is pushing America’s power grid to the limit.

 

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator—MISO—which oversees power transmission in 15 central states—reports that coal is currently generating more than half of its overall electricity.

 

In fact, a Feb. 15 snapshot of MISO’s grid showed coal producing roughly 45,000 megawatts of electricity, with natural gas coming in second at 25,000 megawatts. Essentially, during the current Arctic blast, coal is proving to be the sturdiest fuel for carrying the load.

 

Source : https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/opinion