Utilities warn of soaring costs related to Trump order for Indiana coal plants to stay open

(INDIANA CAPITAL CHRONICLE) — A renewed federal order is keeping two aging Indiana coal plants running months after their planned retirement — and utilities say the price tag is quickly climbing into the hundreds of millions.

The U.S. Department of Energy on Monday issued new emergency orders requiring Northern Indiana Public Service Co., NIPSCO, and CenterPoint Energy to continue operating coal units at the R.M. Schahfer and F.B. Culley generating stations through at least June 21. 

The directive extends an initial 90-day order issued in late December under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act.

Federal officials have argued the move is necessary to avoid potential power shortages and maintain grid reliability across the Midwest.

“The Trump Administration will continue taking action to keep America’s coal plants running to ensure we don’t lose critical...