U.S. coal plant retirement delays persist through 2026

EIA reports that 2025 U.S. coal retirements were the least since 2010, with operators cancelling 1.1 GW of planned retirements and delaying another 4.8 GW. The EPA has also relaxed summer RVP enforcement, signaling a broader regulatory easing. Grid reliability concerns and rising electricity demand from data centers are pushing regulators to keep thermal units online. However, economic pressure from cheap renewables and gas could force retirements back on track. This perpetual market tracks continuously: LONG positions benefit from each announced delay or cancellation; SHORT positions benefit from each confirmed retirement proceeding on schedule.