In this paper, we consider the possibility of using electric filters for cleaning flue gases from thermal power plants. Considering that most heat generating devices at the energy facilities of the Republic use solid fuel - coal, the issue of increasing the degree of flue gas purification is very important and relevant. The article provides a classification of electric filters according to the principle of operation, according to the methods of cleaning, according to the direction of movement of gases and according to the shape of the electrodes. The advantages of electrostatic precipitators are presented in detail. The paper presents the composition of Karazhyrinskoye coal and the initial data, including chemical and mechanical under burning, for which the calculation is carried out. There is an analysis of the composition of flue gases (emissions) of CHPP-1 of the city of Semey. The results of the studies carried out on the basis of CHPP-1 showed the degree of efficiency of using an electrostatic precipitator.