NJ Utility Companies Opposed To New Power Plants

January 14, 2011 5:36 AM

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TRENTON (CBS) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is expected to sign a measure that could lead to construction of three new power plants in the state, including one in West Deptford. It’s got the utility industry crying foul and ready the challenge the plan.

It’s about competition and the cost of making enough electricity available within the state. Companies that build the plants would be eligible for subsidies if capacity prices fall below levels set by state regulators, the subsidies to be funded by other utilities.

Senate president Steve Sweeney would see one of the proposed plants built in his district.

“The ratepayer advocate, that’s the person that’s supposed to look out for the ratepayers — you and I — is saying that each one of these plants that’s being proposed will save $300 million to the ratepayer.”

But uitilities counter that any savings will be short lived and will stifle, not increase competition. They suggest, if Christie approves the plan they’ll challenge it before federal regulators and maybe in court.

Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio

NJ Utility Companies Opposed To New Power Plants

bottomline

Gov. Christie is on the right path. PECO, in a recent brochure, suggests we should cut back on energy usage, for example, by turning off our air conditioners for 15 minutes every half hour.
PECO admits, they don’t want to build plants to meet the needs of the growing population. Perhaps they should mention, that by rationing they can create the foundation which will permit them to institute cost penalties for those whom use too much electricity. All the east coast energy providers should be forced to live up to their responsibility and provide the power they are expected to provide. Forget this grid reliance stuff, that was supposed to be for emergencies.