PJM Interconnection has confirmed that Indian River Unit 4, a coal-fired plant in Sussex County, Delaware, will shut down earlier than planned. Originally set for closure in December 2026, the plant will now deactivate in February 2025, nearly two years ahead of schedule. This early closure follows the completion of vital transmission upgrades by Delmarva Power and will save almost two years’ worth of Reliability-Must-Run (RMR) payments.
The plant, which has operated since 1957, remained open under an RMR agreement to ensure grid stability while Delmarva Power completed the necessary upgrades. With the work now finished, PJM says the plant can be deactivated without impacting grid reliability.
“Delmarva’s completion of the upgrades ahead of schedule is a win for both grid reliability and cost efficiency,” said Mike Bryson, Senior Vice President of Operations at PJM.
NRG, which has operated the plant, confirmed that employees will have opportunities to apply for internal positions, with transition assistance and severance packages in place. “The closure marks the end of an era of dedicated service,” said an NRG spokesperson, expressing gratitude for the plant’s 68 years of service to the local community.
This closure is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the energy grid and transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
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