nuclear-news

Energy rights group blasts Cuomo plan to bail out nuke plants

 http://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/readers/2016/11/01/energy-rights-group-blasts-cuomo-plan-bail-out-nuke-plants/93007830/  Re “Nuclear plant bailout burdens New Yorkers, NYPIRG writes,” Oct. 24  Community View: Nancy S. Vann, president of Safe Energy Rights Group. 

It’s not surprising that the Cuomo administration’s decision to burden New Yorkers with a nuclear bailout was shrouded in secrecy. Behind closed doors, it was decided that our electric bills would be raised by $7.6 billion to bail out old, failing nuclear power plants in upstate New York.

Here in Westchester, our ConEdison rates could go up by $705.8 million to sustain these unprofitable, dangerous plants. These plants are losing money and were slated to be shut down until this administration partnered with the owner of the plants, Exelon, to make them profitable on the taxpayers’ dime. If the state is forced to add the failing Indian Point plant to the list, the costs could be even higher.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo should scrap this huge rate hike and instead develop a new plan — one that focuses on keeping rates low and invests in affordable 21st century clean energy technology that creates jobs, improves our communities and protects the environment. New Yorkers deserve investments that work for them, not irresponsible bailouts for dying industries.

November 4, 2016 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, USA