In this study, Vibrant Clean Energy, LLC (VCE) analyzes alternative least-cost energy and capacity resource pathways to the continued operation of the Dynegy-Vistra coal power fleet in Southern Illinois, also known as “Zone 4” of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)’s planning zones1 . The study’s primary purpose is to determine if DynegyVistra’s coal plants are necessary for resource adequacy and if subsidies Dynegy-Vistra has proposed for the plants are cost-effective.

To this end, the analysis evaluates the state of resource adequacy in Zone 4 and the surrounding region, the ability of the grid to deliver electricity every hour as needed, and the cost of electricity under each alternative pathway to keeping the Dynegy-Vistra coal plants in operation.