September 22, 2026 - Two Indiana coal plants will remain available for electricity generation through Friday, Dec. 18 under emergency orders issued Friday, Sept. 18 by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

The orders require Northern Indiana Public Service Co. to keep Units 17 and 18 at the R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield available to operate and direct CenterPoint Energy to keep Unit 2 at the F.B. Culley Generating Station in Warrick County available. The plants had been scheduled for retirement at the end of 2025.

The U.S. Department of Energy said the orders are intended to address reliability concerns in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator region, which oversees much of the Midwest’s electric grid. Federal officials have argued that retaining the generating units will reduce the risk of power shortages and help control electricity costs.

The latest directives are the fourth federal extension – after 90-day stays given in December, March and June – that have repeatedly delayed the plants’ retirements. Two Schahfer units have been undergoing major turbine and boiler maintenance but are expected to remain available once repairs are completed.

The utilities have incurred significant costs keeping the plants operating. NIPSCO previously sought recovery of $38 million from customers for costs associated with the first three months of the federal orders.

The continued operation also comes amid legal challenges to the federal government’s use of emergency authority to delay coal-plant retirements. A federal appeals court recently rejected a similar order involving a Michigan plant.