The U.S. power grid could become less reliable if too much electricity comes from renewable energy and natural gas, according to a study from the Department of Energy. But not everyone is buying it. Environmentalists suspect the Trump administration is just trying to prop up an ailing coal industry. Energy Secretary Rick Perry called for the study in the spring. The report doesn't say there is a grid reliability problem now — only that one could develop if more coal and nuclear power plants shut down. Those plants are having trouble competing with cheaper natural gas and renewable energy at a time when the country is using less electricity. The Energy Department study points out that coal and nuclear generate power whenever it's needed, while solar and wind can be less predictable. This echoes an argument that traditional utilities and power generators have made for years. "The most reliable and resilient grid is the type that will balance traditional base load sources of power with
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