New York State Department of Public Service Faces Criticism Over Ginna Nuclear Power Plant Bailout Proposal

Strategic Insights -

A recent proposal to continue operating the R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant, LLC, has raised concerns among local residents and environmental groups. The proposal, which would provide a consumer subsidy, has been met with resistance due to its estimated cost of $175 million to Rochester-area consumers. Critics argue that this subsidy would unnecessarily prolong the life of the dangerous Ginna nuclear reactor, instead, urging the Public Service Commission to explore lower-cost, safer, and cleaner alternatives such as energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed consumer subsidy for the Ginna nuclear power reactor, owned by Exelon, would cost an estimated $175 million to Rochester-area consumers.
  • The Rochester area cannot afford this rate-hike, as the city has the highest rate of extreme poverty of any comparably sized city in the United States.
  • Proponents of the proposal argue that it would ensure the continued operation of the Ginna nuclear reactor, while critics argue that it would delay its inevitable closure and prolong the risk of a radioactive accident.
  • The Public Service Commission is being urged to consider safer, cleaner, and more affordable alternatives, including energy efficiency, demand response programs, transmission upgrades, and storage.
  • The decommissioning fund for the Ginna nuclear reactor should be put to work immediately, and a decommissioning plan should be negotiated that retains as much of the current workforce as possible.
  • The Rochester area stands to benefit from the development of energy efficiency, demand response, renewables, and storage industries that could provide good jobs for years to come.

Statistics:

  • Estimated cost of the proposed consumer subsidy: $175 million
  • Number of Rochester-area consumers affected by the proposed subsidy: unknown
  • Number of employees at the Ginna nuclear reactor: unknown
  • Estimated economic benefits of developing energy efficiency and renewable energy industries in the Rochester area: unknown

Sources:

  • New York State Department of Public Service: Re: Case Number: 14-E-0270 Petition Requesting Initiation of a Proceeding to Examine a Proposal for Continued Operation of the R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Plant, LLC.
  • David Rubin, Rochester resident: Letter to the Public Service Commission dated [no specific date mentioned]