When will the last coal-fired power plants in Colorado close?

Coal may be on the decline in Colorado's energy landscape, but it's definitely still here. About a third of Colorado's electricity is still generated by 10 coal-fired power plants across the state. That share is expected to drop to zero by the end of 2031, when Xcel's Comanche 3 plant closes, but that's still seven years away.

We thought it would be easiest for Coloradans to envision the near future in a graphic showing all the major coal-fired power plants – from far northwest Craig down to Comanche near Pueblo – and their completion.

These dates have been changed before and could change again – for the better. As the price of renewable energy continues to fall and stricter regulations reduce coal pollution, these power plant operators may bring forward their closures. If that happens, we will provide an update.

Where Colorado's remaining coal-fired power plants are located

Colorado Coal-Fired Power Plant Index