Scott Waldman reports that the Cuomo administration plan to save nuclear power plants will force utilities to pay for emissions credits that cover their losses in the face of cheap natural gas. The administration began proceeding with the Clean Energy Standard, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered to be completed by July to reach the state clean energy goals of powering half of the electrical grid with wind, solar and other sources by 2030. However, at least two of the state nuclear reactors are in danger of closing within the next few years and would significantly increase air pollution because they would be replaced by fossil-fuel (natural gas) burning power plants in the near future.
The administration policy will prolong the life of nuclear facilities for a few years, to serve as a bridge to the cleaner-energy options. To meet that goal, the state Department of Public Service is recommending a policy to require utilities to purchase a certain amount of nuclear power. Utilities and other energy companies, such as energy service companies, will purchase power from nuclear facilities. These zero emissions credits will represent the emissions-free value of energy produced by the nuclear power plants specifically, said Scott Weiner, deputy for markets and innovation at DPS.
Original working URL: https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/01/cuomo-administration-unveils-plan-to-save-some-nuclear-facilities-030450
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