The Rustbelt WireWhy Kentucky Aluminum Smelters Are Powering Down: The TVA Peak Demand Surcharge Trap (WARN Notice Fo
Why Kentucky Aluminum Smelters Are Powering Down: The TVA Peak Demand Surcharge Trap (WARN Notice Forensics)
[INVESTIGATION TIMELINE & CHAPTERS]
0:00 - The Cold Open Hook
0:55 - Ground Reality & Municipal Impact
2:30 - Deep Structural Root Cause
4:45 - Supply Chain Contagion & Ripple
6:00 - Actionable Mitigation Playbook & Next Episode Preview
[Verified Primary Citations]
• Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet WARN Notice #2026-KY-072
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) 2026 Industrial Rate Surcharge Schedule
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Docket #ER26-072
• Webster County Fiscal Court Industrial Retention Hearing Transcript
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5:32About the channel
The Rustbelt Wire (@RustbeltWire) reports on America's industrial economy from public records. Episodes are built on state WARN Act notices, FERC orders, EIA data and court dockets, and explain what each closure or shortage means for workers and households.