FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2026
CONTACT
Dan Radmacher, Media Specialist, (276) 289-1018, dan@appvoices.org
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Today, the Tennessee Valley Authority released its outline for meeting the region’s energy needs over the next 25 years, known as its Integrated Resource Plan. The public utility also opened a 30-day public comment period for input on the plan.
A draft IRP released in 2024 was never acted on because TVA’s board of directors lacked a quorum after President Donald Trump fired several members. Following a major transition in TVA’s leadership, including a new board and CEO, staff have been making significant changes to the IRP.
Since January, organizations and ratepayers have been calling on TVA to release the new draft and allow for a public comment period on the changes. Even with the new comment period, the board is expected to vote on the IRP at its meeting on Aug. 20, which will leave little time for TVA to consider and integrate the input that will be gathered through July 22.
The draft released today has higher electricity demand projections, likely driven by data centers, advances an ongoing, massive methane gas buildout, and now also plans to keep its coal power plants operational until 2039. TVA’s records have revealed that keeping these power plants open will require investments of $636 million at the Kingston fossil plant and $738 million at the Cumberland fossil plant.
Statement by Director of Public Power Campaigns Bri Knisley:
“We are glad to see that TVA will allow the public an opportunity to weigh in on the changes to its long-term energy plan. With this change, it’s critical that our public utility also allows enough time for full consideration and integration of feedback prior to the board’s vote on the IRP, which is currently expected in August.”
Statement by Tennessee Projects & Coalition Coordinator Leah McCord:
“TVA was built by the labor and wallets of the households of the Tennessee Valley. We hope those same ratepayers take advantage of this chance to tell TVA to prioritize their needs by investing in efficiency and affordable, fast, renewable energy instead of doubling down on expensive fossil fuels and the unpredictability that comes along with them.”
