2026.02.18 | PGE’s $1.9B Acquisition & DOE’s Emergency Coal Order

The race for firm power is escalating, with the DOE issuing emergency orders to prevent coal plant retirements while utilities buy up existing gas generation. We break down Portland General Electric’s (PGE) massive $1.9 billion acquisition of PacifiCorp’s assets, including the critical 477MW Chehalis gas plant. The episode explores how ISO New England is raising capital and why FERC is prioritizing hydro efficiency updates. Listen now to understand the tension between aggressive decarbonization goals and the immediate operational reality of keeping the lights on.