As the Tennessee Valley Authority faces rising electricity demand, mounting reliability concerns and major long-term infrastructure decisions, a new policy platform from Appalachian Voices has called for greater transparency, accountability and public trust in the nation’s largest federally-owned utility — just as TVA moves to potentially extend the life of several major coal-fired power plants.
This week, the non-profit unveiled its policy framework titled “Ensuring an Affordable, Transparent, and Accountable Tennessee Valley Authority,” offering regional and federal leaders a road map to strengthen TVA’s public power model.
The platform emphasizes affordable energy, public accountability, transparency in leadership decisions and meaningful community involvement in TVA’s long-term planning.
The policy release comes at a pivotal moment. TVA’s governing board is preparing for its first listening session and meeting with a full quorum since early 2024, both convening in Hopkinsville, following a prolonged leadership gap that stalled major planning processes.
This includes, but is not limited to, TVA’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan, which is a comprehensive 25-year outline that guides energy infrastructure investments across the Tennessee Valley, and the IRP’s prolonged stall has raised concerns among advocacy groups, utilities and ratepayers about oversight and the direction of TVA’s long-term energy strategy.
TVA traditionally boasts lower electricity rates than many neighboring utilities, but rates have increased twice since 2023. Appalachian Voices, and other advocates, have argued that TVA’s massive methane gas expansion — one of the largest in the nation — and growing pressure toward expensive nuclear development could threaten long-term affordability for residents and businesses across the region.
In concordance, TVA is re-evaluating earlier plans to retire major coal plants, citing increased power demand and reliability concerns. Earlier this week, they announced new Supplemental Environmental Impact Statements for both the Cumberland Fossil Plant in Middle Tennessee and the Kingston Fossil Plant in East Tennessee, and it is expected to be a major discussion point during Wednesday’s quarterly meeting at the Bruce Convention Center.
For the Cumberland site, TVA is now considering continuing operation of both coal-fired units beyond the previously planned 2028 retirement date, alongside the construction of natural gas combined-cycle generation. The utility says this approach would use existing assets to meet growing demand, while maintaining reliable service at the lowest feasible cost.
For the Kingston site, TVA is evaluating continued operation of all nine coal-fired units, along with a mix of natural gas facilities and battery energy storage. The original retirement plan, approved in 2024, included phased demolition of the coal units and replacement with gas, solar, and battery storage.
TVA officials stated these changes reflect “a national trend.” The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts steadily increasing electricity demand over the coming decades, driven by population growth, electrification, industrial development and data infrastructure, and TVA says it is “legally required” to evaluate all options using least-cost planning principles to ensure reliability, affordability and system stability for its 10 million customers across seven states.
Community advocates, including Appalachian Voices, are asking Congress and federal leaders to retain public ownership of TVA assets, strengthen transparency around executive compensation, ensure TVA board members reflect the diversity and expertise of the region, and require open, accessible public engagement in TVA planning processes.
