SNL says the closures represent about 4% of installed coal capacity in the U.S. and it will make up a third of nationwide coal plant retirements between 2010 and 2015.
The recurring phenomenon — a warming of the Pacific Ocean as part of a complex cycle linking atmosphere and ocean — has in the past affected mine output, triggering price spikes.
CEO Andrew Mackenzie announced the firm would cut capital and exploration expenditure to $9 billion in the 2016 financial year from $12.6 billion in 2015.
