The last time Kentucky power plants used more coal produced in-state than out-of-state was 2019, according to state data.
For five out of the past six years, Kentucky has relied on coal from other states to generate electricity more than its own.
Data from the Energy and Environment Cabinet show that in 2019, Kentucky used 13.5 million tons of its own coal and 12.7 million tons from other states.
In 2023, though, Kentucky used nearly twice as much coal from other states – 14 million tons – than coal it produced that year.
In 2024, the most recent year of data tabulated by the agency, the gap had narrowed, but other states were still supplying more of Kentucky’s needs.
Those states include Illinois, Wyoming, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana.
One explanation is price. Central Appalachian coal, which eastern Kentucky produces, is $87 a ton. Western Kentucky produces Illinois Basin coal, along with Indiana and Illinois. That’s currently $56 a ton.
Powder River Basin coal, mainly from Wyoming, is $15 a ton, though that’s before rail transportation costs.
In the bigger picture, coal is in a years-long decline as fuel for the nation’s electricity.
Coal generation is forecast to drop 7% in 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, despite Trump administration policies intended to boost coal production and employment.
Kentucky coal production was up slightly in the last three months of 2025, according to state data. Still, the year ended with 400 fewer coal mine workers statewide than when it began.
The news has not improved since the beginning of this year. In February, 300 workers at Clintwood JOD LLC, based in Pike County, were terminated.
Clintwood filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month. Days later, its workers sued, seeking 60 days of pay and benefits. The workers alleged that the company violated federal labor law and did not provide the required 60 days notice ahead of their termination.
U.S. Census estimates released last month show Kentucky’s coal producing counties lead the state in population decline.
Pike County shed nearly 4,000 residents from 2020 to 2025. Harlan and Perry counties lost about 2,000 each.
Pike, Christian, Harlan, Perry and Letcher lost the most residents from 2020 to 2025. The steepest percentage drops were in Breathitt, Leslie, Harlan and Letcher, with Perry and Pike tied.
One county was among the top 10 in largest numerical and percentage losses: Western Kentucky’s Union, now the state’s leading coal producer.
