- By Dan Veaner
- Opinions
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| This is the letter I sent the Public Service Commission (PSC) on whether or not to repower the Cayuga Power Plant. it is important that you be heard as well. Today (August 16, 2013) is the last day of the public comment period to tell the PSC what you think about whether or not the Cayuga plant should be repowered with natural gas. Comments can still be submitted by calling 1-800-336-2120, or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and referring to case 12-E-0577. Searching for that case number on the PSC Web site will yield all public documents to date. The deadline to submit comments is Friday, Aug. 16. | ||
I am the publisher and editor of the Lansing Star, Lansing's online local newspaper. Regarding case number 12-E-0577 I have reviewed the Cayuga Power Plant's and NYSEG's solutions and listened to all the arguments, pro and con. While I agree with some critics that the choices were too narrow when they were limited to repowering the plant with gas or upgrading the transmission lines, I understand that this is the reality you are faced with as you determine the fate of the plant.
Both proposals solve the reliable power goals for Auburn. It appears that one of the repowering plans will not add cost to ratepayers, but even if you credit NYSEG's risk worry it does not appear that it will be more expensive than upgrading the transmission lines. I view repowering the plant with gas as an interim step that brings cleaner energy production to the plant immediately while other sustainable technologies are developing.
Given that you have been required to include local impact in your deliberations it seems to me that it comes down to this: you can either achieve your goal by devastating Lansing to benefit Auburn, or you can achieve it by benefiting both communities. If you benefit both communities you are also helping to create and maintain jobs for New Yorkers, avoid decimating a successful school system, and supporting New York Energy Highway Blueprint goals.
Respectfully,
Dan Veaner
Publisher and Editor, Lansing Star Online
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