Co-op Power Plant Gets Coal Green Light from DOE
Published Date: 3/10/2026
Notice
Summary
PowerSouth Energy Cooperative told the Department of Energy that their new Lowman Energy Center powerplant can use coal if needed, even though it mainly plans to use other fuels. This self-certification follows a law that says new big powerplants must be able to burn coal or another fuel. This notice makes it official and keeps everything on track for future energy options without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New baseload plants must have coal capability
If you build or operate a new baseload electric powerplant, the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act (42 U.S.C. 8311(a)) requires the plant to have the capability to use coal or another alternate fuel as a primary energy source. Owners proposing to use natural gas or petroleum must certify to the Secretary of Energy prior to construction or prior to operation as a baseload plant under section 201(d) and DOE regulation 10 CFR 501.61.
PowerSouth filed Lowman coal-capability certification
PowerSouth Energy Cooperative filed a coal capability self-certification on April 21, 2022 for the Lowman Energy Center, a 688-megawatt plant at 4932 Carson Road, Leroy, AL 36548 that will use natural gas; the plant's in-service date is March 2023. That self-certification establishes compliance with FUA section 201(a) as of the date it was filed with the Secretary of Energy.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13674 — Energy Conservation Program: Procedures, Interpretations, and Policies for Consideration of New or Revised Energy Conservation Standards and Test Procedures for Consumer Products and Certain Commercial/Industrial Equipment
The Department of Energy is updating how it sets and reviews energy-saving rules for products like appliances and industrial equipment. These changes include clearer steps, new definitions, and economic checks to make sure energy savings really matter. If you make or sell these products, or just care about saving energy, you can share your thoughts by August 6, 2026, and join a free webinar on July 15 to learn more.
2026-12475 — Application for Authorization To Transmit Electric Energy to a Foreign Country
The Department of Energy is making it easier and faster for companies to get permission to send electricity across U.S. borders. This new rule starts on July 22, 2026, and helps keep our electric supply safe while encouraging cross-border energy trade. If you’re involved in exporting electricity, get ready for a simpler application process with clear deadlines and fewer headaches.
2026-11057 — Rescinding Regulations for Loans for Minority Business Enterprises Seeking DOE Contracts and Assistance
The Department of Energy is delaying a rule that would stop loans for minority-owned businesses trying to get DOE contracts. This means minority businesses can keep applying for these loans a bit longer while the government reviews the rule carefully. The new delay pushes the rule’s start date to September 1, 2026, giving everyone more time to prepare and comment.
2026-10729 — Zero-Based Regulating
The Department of Energy wants to add expiration dates to some of its rules to keep things fresh and efficient, following a new White House order. This means certain regulations will automatically end unless reviewed and renewed, helping save time and money. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 29, 2026, because your input could shape the future of energy rules!
2026-10727 — Zero-Based Regulating
The Department of Energy is adding expiration dates to some of its rules to keep things fresh and efficient. If a rule isn’t renewed before its sunset date, it disappears—no more rule, no more hassle! This change starts July 13, 2026, and helps save time and money by cutting outdated regulations every five years or less.
2026-08201 — Energy Conservation Program: Exempt Power Supplies Under the EPS Service Parts Act of 2014
The Department of Energy is making it easier for companies by removing some reporting rules for certain power supplies used as service parts. This change mainly affects manufacturers and sellers of these exempt power supplies and starts on May 28, 2026. It cuts red tape without adding costs, helping businesses save time and focus on energy innovation.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04638 — Certification Notice-261; Notice of Filing of Self-Certification of Coal Capability Under the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act
Long Ridge Energy Generation LLC told the Department of Energy that their new powerplant, which runs on natural gas, can also use coal if needed. This is required by law to make sure new powerplants can switch fuels if necessary. The notice lets everyone know this certification was filed, keeping things transparent and on schedule.
Next: 2026-04640 — Certification Notice-263; Notice of Filing of Self-Certification of Coal Capability Under the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act
Rayburn Energy Station, the new owner of a big power plant once called Panda Sherman, told the government it can still use coal if needed. This update keeps them following the rules that say big power plants must be ready to use coal or another fuel. No changes in money or timing were announced, but this keeps the plant’s options open for the future.