The Tennessee Valley Authority Board on Thursday voted to close the Paradise #3 coal-burning power plant in Muhlenberg County by the end of 2020.
President Trump and western Kentucky’s congressional delegation had urged the TVA Board to postpone its decision on the plant’s fate, but a motion to delay a vote failed.
There are about 131 employees working at the Paradise plant and TVA President and CEO Bill Johnson says they will work with those employees to transition into their next job with TVA or into retirement.
Regarding what will become of the plant’s site in Muhlenberg County, Johnson says TVA is looking at multiple options.
Board member Virginia Lodge of Nashville was among those voting to close the plant, but thanked those who have worked at Paradise over the years.
TVA cited a flat demand for electricity and changing landscape in the industry as reasons to close the plant, in addition to a growing consumer desire for clean and renewable energy.