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State energy plan heads wrong way
Article Last Updated: 04/02/2008 11:49:19 AM EDT
We "Clean Up the Sooty Six" veterans don't think expanding our power plants is the best solution to Connecticut's energy needs [Connecticut Post, Match 5, "UI, CL&P submit generator plans].
Becoming more dependent on dwindling, increasingly expensive foreign fuels defies common sense. Plus, we'd rather not breathe the added emissions.
Also, who's paying for this almost billion dollar proposal? If it's ratepayer funded, we'd like a better return for our money.
First, the utilities and the regulatory bodies should vigorously press for energy efficiency and conservation. It's cheaper and faster to implement than building new generation plants.
Second, the owners of the dirty and uneconomic "Sooty Six" should be required to pick up the tab for plant upgrades. That's something long overdue.
Then, if we must build, let's start the inevitable transition to renewable energy. For example, we should invest in long-term solar solutions that work well in peak power conditions. Expanding Connecticut's solar rebate program does that while producing no emissions. It also creates more local jobs per megawatt than fossil fuel (or nuclear) power.
Adding on to the "Sooty Six" might be profitable for somebody, but it doesn't appear to be the citizens of Connecticut.
Ann Berman
Milford
Andy Bauer
Portland
Both writers were lead activists in the Campaign to Clean Up the Sooty Six, and have installed home photovoltaic systems. Bauer is a member of his local Clean
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Energy Task Force and Berman is chair of Environmental Concerns Coalition. |
