RE: Coal to Gas Powerplant Conversion Thermal coal - issue is that gas fired electrical power generation plants are selling cheaper electricity into the grid, due to lower nat gas prices. Coal fired generation plants have not picked up increased demand because they can not meet price required. Natuarl gas generation stations are positioned to supply increased demand. As Nat gas price increases, coal fired generation stations can compete and grab larger share, and increase domestic demand for thermal coal.
You do not switch back and forth from nat gas to coal.