Tucson Electric Power to convert part of power plant from coal to natural gas

Tucson Electric Power has announced plans to renovate a portion of Springerville Generating Station from coal to natural gas.

The announcement comes as the Trump administration has pushed for a renewed look at coal power.

The two units owned by Tucson Electric Power generate about 800 megawatts together. TEP says they will be converted from coal to natural gas by 2030.

The utility called for the retirement of the units in its 2023 resource plan due to the rising costs of coal, anticipated mine closures and environmental regulation.

TEP says while the federal government is currently supportive of coal-fired power generation, the long term risks remain.

Salt River Project owns another unit at Springerville station, and a spokesperson says they are looking at options but the company has not announced any similar plans.