January 19-22, 2026
San Antonio, TX — Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center

Co-Located with POWERGEN International 2026

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The Coal Users’ Group Annual Safety & Technical Forum brings hundreds of coal industry professionals together for in-depth educational sessions and honest discussions of real challenges, real solutions and real results.

Don’t miss your chance to network with the brightest minds from leading coal-fired generating companies—all in one place. Share proven best practices and get new ideas.

Bring the Whole Team!

We have Group Plan discount packages available for groups as small as four in addition to unlimited options so you can bring your full team and maximize this learning opportunity. Contact admin@coalusersgroup.org for more details.

Monday, January 19, 2026

1:00 pm – 4:30 pm  Understanding Coal Combustion and Boiler Damage Modes in Flexible Coal-Fired Operations

 
As coal-fired plants face dynamic grid demands and variable fuel quality, managing combustion and boiler reliability is increasingly critical. This 3-hour EPRI workshop equips engineers and operators with practical strategies to optimize combustion and prevent boiler damage in flexible operations.

Key Topics:
• Combustion & Flexible Operation: Impact of fuel variability, cycling, and low-load conditions on performance and emissions.
• Boiler Damage Modes: Common issues like corrosion, erosion, thermal fatigue, and creep—plus detection strategies.
• Combustion-Damage Link: How poor combustion control accelerates wear and failure.
• Case Studies & Best Practices: Real-world examples and lessons learned.
• Roundtable Discussion: Collaborative problem-solving with EPRI experts and peers.
Ideal for professionals seeking to boost reliability, cut maintenance costs, and improve performance in today’s challenging environment.

Marc Lemmons, P.E. (IL), Boiler Program Manager, EPRI
Stephen Storm, Thermal Optimization and Emissions Controls, EPRI

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Annual Member Reception

Join us for an evening of networking, celebration, and connection at our Annual Member Reception! This event brings together industry professionals, partners, and peers for a relaxed and engaging atmosphere where ideas and relationships flourish.

What to Expect:
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow members and industry leaders.
• Refreshments & Conversation: Enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and beverages while sharing insights and experiences.

This reception is our way of saying thank you for your continued support and collaboration. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen relationships and celebrate the year’s successes together!

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

7:00 - 8:00 AM              Breakfast and Roundtables

8:00 -10:00 AM             PowerGen International Keynote

10:30 - Noon                CUG Kickoff and Morning Sessions

Critical Risk Conversations

Kevin Rohrer, PacifiCorp, Andrew Gonzales, Vistra Corp. and Tim Frankenberg, Ameren

Managing risk in coal-fired operations isn’t just about technical safeguards—it’s about clear, timely communication. In this session, Kevin Rohrer and Andrew Gonzales will lead an in-depth discussion on how to identify, prioritize, and address critical risks before they escalate. Attendees will gain insights into:

• Building a culture of transparency around risk management
• Practical frameworks for assessing and mitigating high-impact risks
• Effective communication strategies for engaging leadership and frontline teams
• Lessons learned from real-world scenarios in coal plant operations

This session is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their risk management approach and ensure operational reliability through proactive conversations.

Noon- 1:30 PM             Lunch on Exhibit Floor

1:30 – 4:30 PM             CUG Afternoon Sessions

Panel Discussion on Maintenance Strategies in the Current Market

Session Description:
Maintenance is no longer just about fixing problems—it’s a strategic lever for reliability, safety, and operational excellence. In today’s environment, where the coal market remains volatile and unpredictable, maintenance decisions carry even greater weight. Organizations must adapt their strategies to manage fluctuating demand, cost pressures, and supply chain uncertainties while safeguarding plant performance.

In this interactive panel discussion, industry experts will share insights on how organizations are evolving their maintenance approaches to meet these challenges.

Topics will include:

• How maintenance strategies drive plant efficiency and reduce operational risk
• Balancing budget constraints with long-term reliability goals
• The human factor—impact on workforce engagement, stress, and retention
• Best practices for prioritizing and communicating maintenance decisions

Join us for a candid conversation about lessons learned, innovative approaches, and how to build a proactive maintenance culture that supports both plant performance and team well-being.

Moderator:  Steve Brucken, Evergy

Panelists from: Evergy, Platte River Power Authority and Ameren

3:30 PM Adapting Water Chemistry Strategies for Extended Coal Plant Life and Flexible Operations
Session Description
As coal plants remain in service longer than originally planned, operators face new challenges in maintaining reliability and affordability. Flexible operations introduces unique chemistry considerations that differ from traditional practices. This session will explore how these changes impact water chemistry management, resource allocation, and boiler cleaning strategies. We’ll discuss the struggle to align legacy recommendations with today’s operational realities and market demands, and share approaches for rethinking chemistry programs to extend equipment life while managing reduced staffing and budgets. Join us for an open conversation on evolving best practices and innovative solutions for a changing coal landscape.

Sarah Hazelwood, Evergy

4:00 PM From In-House to Outsourced: Overcoming Challenges in Coal Yard Management Transformation
Session Description:
Transitioning coal yard operations from in-house management to an outsourced model can unlock efficiency, cost savings, and improved safety—but it’s not without hurdles. This session dives into the practical realities of making the switch, including navigating organizational red tape, addressing regulatory compliance, and overcoming resistance to change. Learn how to manage stakeholder concerns, set clear performance expectations, and mitigate risks during the transition. Real-world examples will highlight strategies for tackling common challenges and ensuring a smooth, successful outsourcing journey.
Edwin Martin, CPS Energy

4:30 - 6 PM                    Reception on Exhibit Floor

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

7:00 - 8:00 AM              Breakfast and Roundtables

8:00 AM - Noon            CUG Morning Sessions

Keynote Presentation: Safety Engagement, Culture & Leadership – Fostering Discretionary Energy from Your Workforce

Wylie Davidson, Legacy Safety

This presentation serves as a foundation for a stronger culture of safety by not only identifying the common factors that lead to injuries and accidents but also provides key elements on how to prevent them. By discovering what makes up the “Arts and Science” of safety attendees will establish a better understanding of what makes an effective safety culture and provides the pathway to unleashing their own Discretionary Energy!

Tapping into discretionary energy is one of the most powerful and most overlooked ways to elevate safety performance. When leaders know how to unlock it, they transform safety from a rule employees have to follow into a commitment employees want to own. This session gives you the tools to:
 
• Ignite hidden potential in your workforce by inspiring effort that no policy or procedure can mandate.
• Reduce incidents by fostering proactive safety behaviors employees take on their own initiative.
• Build lasting culture where every person feels empowered to protect themselves, their coworkers, and the organization.

9:00 AM Proactive Freeze Protection: Mitigating Winter Risks in Coal Handling

Join Brad Smith for a focused session on proactive strategies to combat winter-related operational challenges in coal-fired power plants. This presentation will explore the impact of frozen coal on unit performance, including increased derates and unexpected trips. Learn about effective pre-treatment techniques that can significantly reduce these risks, improve reliability, and maintain operational efficiency during cold weather conditions. Ideal for plant managers, engineers, and operations personnel preparing for winter readiness.

Brad Smith, Evergy

9:30 AM A Journey: Modernizing Combustible Dust Handling at Rawhide Energy Station

During its 2025 scheduled outage, Rawhide Energy Station successfully completed an initiative to modernize and improve combustible dust handling systems—culminating in a safer, more reliable operation. Commissioned in 1984, Rawhide Unit 1’s original dust collection design predated fire standards and posed significant risks, including indoor deflagration venting. Beginning in 2014, Platte River Power Authority partnered with Air Cure to systematically replace outdated dust collectors, implement a pneumatic conveying system, and redesign transfer point collection to meet modern safety standards.

This session will highlight the four-phase effort that prioritized risk reduction, improved operational cleanliness, and ensured compliance with evolving safety codes—even as the unit approached retirement. Attendees will learn how Rawhide’s methodical approach transformed dust handling from a persistent hazard into a streamlined, NFPA-compliant system, demonstrating the value of long-term planning, collaboration, and commitment to safety.

Platte River Power Authority

10:00 AM Break

10:30 AM Fundamentals Session

This session is designed to strengthen foundational knowledge for coal plant operations through a series of concise, focused presentations followed by an interactive discussion. Join industry experts as they share practical insights on key topics critical to reliability and safety.

Format:
• Fundamental Presentations (5–10 minutes each):
1. Critical Spare Parts – Identification and status update - Savage Services
2. Coal Delivery – Best practices and challenges - Ameren
3. Bunker Silo/Unloading – Operational considerations - PacifiCorp
4. Stockpile Management – Strategies for efficiency - Savage Services
5. Combustible Dust – Update and refresher - Evergy

• Open Discussion (30 minutes)
Engage with peers and presenters to ask questions, share experiences, and explore solutions to common challenges.
This fundamentals-focused session is perfect for anyone looking to refresh core concepts and gain actionable insights for day-to-day operations.

• Q&A Discussion questions

Noon - 1:30 PM            Lunch on Exhibit Floor

1:30 – 4:30 PM             CUG Afternoon Sessions

Lessons Learned from Industry Tragedies: The Importance of Critical Risk Identification

When tragedy strikes in industrial operations, the consequences are severe—not only for equipment and production but for people and communities. This session examines real-world incidents to uncover lessons that can prevent future failures. Through short presentations and an open discussion, we’ll explore how complacency, loss of institutional knowledge, and workforce challenges in an era of extended plant life contribute to risk.

Format:
• 15-Minute Case Studies:
- Boiler Tube Separation from Header – PacificCorp Gansby Incident 
- System/Equipment Failures – Insights from Ameren

• 30-Minute Panel Discussion:
- Why critical risk identification matters more than ever
- Addressing complacency and cultural shifts
- Strategies for knowledge transfer and onboarding in a changing workforce

This session is essential for anyone committed to improving safety, reliability, and resilience in coal plant operations.

2:45 PM Break

3:15 – 4:30 PM  Innovation Awards Presentations

Managing the Hidden Hazards of PRB Coal: Lessons from a Bunker Auto-Ignition Event

Powder River Basin coal offers significant environmental advantages due to its low sulfur content—but it brings unique handling challenges, especially the risk of spontaneous combustion. This presentation recounts a bunker auto-ignition event that led to an explosion on our tripper floor when hot coal was detected in the system after an extended outage. We’ll discuss the conditions that caused the event, the operational decisions made at the time, and the damage that resulted. Most importantly, we’ll share the corrective actions and procedural changes implemented since, including improved monitoring, isolation, and operational practices to prevent a recurrence.

Eric Smith, Training Supervisor, City Utilities of Springfield

Forward-Thinking Upgrades: Ameren Labadie’s Rail Unloading Success

Extended rail unloading times were creating unit train turnover challenges at Ameren Labadie, threatening efficiency and reliability. Recognizing that the 35-year-old system could no longer meet original design tonnage rates, Ameren took a proactive approach—allocating capital and executing a comprehensive upgrade project. Through strategic planning and coordination, the team successfully achieved all project goals, restoring performance and improving operational flow.

Key Outcomes:
• Significant reduction in demurrage costs
• Faster unit train turnaround times
• Enhanced system reliability and throughput

This session highlights how forward-thinking investment and collaboration can deliver meaningful operational improvements and cost savings.

Pete DuBois, Ameren and Ron Pircon, Benetech

4:30 - 6 PM                   Reception on Exhibit Floor

Thursday, January 22, 2026

7 am – 10 am Better Practices Workgroups