As the polar vortex froze much of the U.S. at the beginning 2014, the period of intense cold created demand, supply and transportations factors that led to the highest prices for power and spot gas seen over the past five years.

December 2014 coal markets were mixed on the month, with eastern coal caught in the rout that has broadly affected energy commodities on slowing global economic growth and weak winter demand.

Twelve mines in Northern Appalachia cranked out more than 1 million tons of coal each in the third quarter, helping boost production from the region.

Production from the largest active Powder River Basin coal mines totaled 106.88 million tons in the third quarte.

U.S. power generating units with co-firing or dual-switching capabilities experienced a decline in total gas burn of nearly 22% in 2013 year over year, but despite rising gas prices some RTOs continued their reliance on gas instead of coal.

Exelon nuke closures would take a bite out of Illinois baseload power.

As of Oct. 10, the energy industry had raised approximately $71.65 billion of senior debt, $20.85 billion of common equity, $3.73 billion of subordinated debt, $1.66 billion of preferred equity and $275 million of subsidiary trust preferred in 2014.

SNL Energy provides its latest update on past and future coal unit retirements in the U.S. electric power sector. The analysis now includes more in-depth data on coal unit conversions to alternate fuels.

Despite ever shrinking demand, coal remains the largest source of fuel for electric generation in the United States.

Again shouldered most of the burden.

"There is quite a spread at the moment."

Through April 2014, Colombia supplied about 13.4% of the coal delivered to the Southern plants with units slated to retire or be converted.