Posted on July 26, 2017
HARTFORD – Yesterday Governor Malloy signed an executive order directing the state to conduct a resource assessment to evaluate the economic viability of Millstone nuclear generating facilities. Millstone is Connecticut’s largest carbon-free energy source that provides over half of Connecticut’s daily power and 30 percent of the power for all of New England. State Representatives Kathleen McCarty (R-Waterford) and Holly Cheeseman (R-East Lyme) have been strong advocates for efforts to preserve Millstone Power Station’s operations in Connecticut.
“I am very disappointed that the Governor’s executive order calls for nothing more than a study,” said Rep. McCarty. “Millstone contributes over $1.5 billion to the Connecticut economy, employs thousands of individuals and produces over 50% of the state’s electric needs with carbon-free energy; thereby helping Connecticut to meet its climate goals. We need action by the legislature to avoid a premature closing of Millstone’s operations in my hometown of Waterford, and not just another study.”
“Do we think a study without action would have kept G.E. or Aetna in Connecticut? Of course not!” Rep. McCarty said. “As one of the introducers of S.B. 778, a bill that called for action for Millstone, I worked very hard in the House during the 2017 Regular Legislative to educate fellow legislators about the importance of keeping Millstone in Connecticut. To set the record straight, the House had the votes with an overwhelming majority of Republicans and many Democrats to pass this bill. The democratic leadership, however, refused to call the bill, once again jeopardizing the viability of Millstone remaining in Waterford. We cannot afford to lose Millstone – a very real possibility – as the adverse economic and environmental impact would be devastating to Waterford, Southeastern, CT and the entire state. The Governor’s executive order must be followed by ACTION from the legislature.”
Rep. McCarty on a tour of Millstone, which included a view of operations from the water.
“The Southeastern Connecticut region, and indeed all of Connecticut, would suffer greatly if Millstone were to cease operation,” said Rep. Cheeseman, member of the Legislative Energy & Technology Committee. “Everyone in our state, whether they are a residential, commercial, or industrial customer, counts on reliable affordable energy. We in Connecticut already have the highest electricity prices in the continental United States. Losing Dominion’s two plants at Millstone, which supply 60% of the state’s power, would have a terrible impact. I am happy that Millstone is getting a chance to really share how their operations benefit the ratepayers in Connecticut’s energy market and look forward to learning about the findings of these assessments so that we may implement change immediately. I have no doubt they will demonstrate the vital importance to Connecticut and the region of Millstone’s continued operation.”
New England State Policy Director for Dominion Resources Kevin Hennessy said, “Dominion appreciates the Governor’s leadership in helping to ensure Millstone continues to provide critical energy, environmental and economic benefits for Connecticut. However, the time for a study without action has passed. We have now been engaged with Connecticut leaders for more than 21 months on this issue. Without action this year, the prospects for continued operation of Millstone diminish. In Wisconsin, Dominion engaged with numerous parties for 18 months about the viability of a nuclear power station in that state without coming to a solution. We then made a business decision to close the plant. We continue to conduct our strategic assessment of Millstone and will make a business decision regardless of Connecticut’s latest study.”
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Public Utilities Authority (PURA) will, effective immediately, set out to accomplish the following: