Editor’s note: This opinion was written by Guy Page, communications director for the Vermont Energy Partnership.
Some in Montpelier believe that Vermont utilities will have no trouble replacing Vermont Yankee power with a diverse mix of natural gas, wind, wood, and even solar power, if the Vernon nuclear power plant closes.
The market will indeed offer sufficient power, whether or not Vermont Yankee closes. Brownouts won’t happen while the current power glut remains. But as for “no trouble” – that’s another story. Regarding cost, pollution, portfolio diversity, and prosperity, there’s big trouble coming.
We should think twice before shutting the door on the value Vermont Yankee offers.
Vermont’s options are limited. Current wind, solar, and landfill/farm methane together output about 12 megawatts, or about 1/50th the output of Vermont Yankee, source of 75% of all instate generation. Biomass and hydro production are committed to in-state and out-of-state utilities, with no significant new producers on the near horizon.
Only two realistic alternatives can replace Vermont Yankee at present: fossil fuel/nuclear power from southern New England, or more wind/hydro from Quebec. Both have sufficient capacity but are price-squishy and cannot compensate for the 1200+ jobs and $15 million in state revenue Vermont Yankee now provides. Also, independence and accountability would decrease and air pollution (from New England generators) would increase. Finally, Vermont Yankee’s very affordable six-cent power would in effect drop even lower once the “revenue sharing” that is a condition of relicensing kicks in on behalf of consumers.
Our economy needs clean, reliable, affordable energy. We should think twice before shutting the door on the value Vermont Yankee offers.
