Posted on April 16, 2019
WATERFORD — Since being elected into office, State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38) has truly fought tirelessly organizing informational meetings, circulating legislative petitions, writing letters to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and educating fellow legislators about the importance of protecting Millstone from a premature closing. Such a retirement would have jeopardized 1,500 Connecticut jobs, approximately 30 million dollars to Waterford’s tax base, and increased energy and capacity costs by approximately $8 billion. Therefore, at a press conference held yesterday at the facility, Rep. McCarty joined Millstone and other government officials – including Governor Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes – in celebrating the recently settled contract that keeps Millstone open for at least another 10 years.
On March 15th, Governor Lamont and DEEP Commissioner Dykes announced that Dominion Energy and Connecticut’s two electric utility companies, Eversource and United Illuminating (UI), reached an agreement to retain the Dominion-owned Millstone nuclear facility. This contract allows Millstone to provide carbon-free energy to consumers at a 50 percent lower incremental cost. It also keeps Connecticut’s greenhouse gas reduction goals on track for a level 45 percent below that of 2001.
“This was a team effort, and Rep. McCarty was a stallworth champion for us throughout the process,” said Kevin Hennessy, Director of Federal, State and Local Affairs for Dominion Energy in Connecticut. “We all came together as we do in Connecticut when we have to gravel with a serious issue and we made a great deal utilizing forward-thinking policy as an outcome.”
“Rep. Kathleen McCarty and colleagues helped the legislators to hear about, and understand, the important work done on this site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” said Senator Paul Formica, Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee. “As the Waterford State Representative, I’m not sure Rep. McCarty slept much during this ordeal.”
“Though it was a long and sometimes stressful process educating and convincing my fellow legislators in the House to support the Millstone legislation over the past five years, the effort was well worth it as we realize and celebrate today the success of this energy contract with Millstone,” said Rep. McCarty. “I am overjoyed that the future of Millstone will remain viable in Waterford and in the state for the life of the contract and hopefully beyond. Dominion Energy is a pillar of the community in my district. I also appreciate the support of Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes in helping us reach this milestone and agreement.”
The Millstone nuclear facility provides around-the-clock, zero-carbon, fuel-secure electricity that meets more than half of Connecticut’s electricity needs. The Millstone facility also provides well-paying stable jobs for Southeastern Connecticut residents.
Rep. McCarty greets Governor Lamont and welcomes him to her district.
(L to R) Waterford Selectman Rob Brule, Rep. McCarty and Waterford Town Clerk Dave Campo.
Rep. McCarty with Kevin Hennessy, Director of Federal, State & Local Affairs for Dominion Energy in Connecticut.
Rep. McCarty speaks with Paul Koontz, Executive Vice President of Dominion, and President and CEO of Power Generation Group.