The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection expects the federal clean air rules put forth by President Barack Obama to increase the amount of emissions coming out of the Nutmeg State.
Although the new federal emissions standards are meant to curb pollution from power plants and major manufacturers, the new rules make it more attractive to build natural gas power plants in Connecticut, according to the DEEP Integrated Resource Plan, which is its 10-year analysis of electricity pricing, supply, and demand.
The IRP – which is in draft form for public comment and will be finalized next year – says the stricter emissions rules will lead to more retirements of power plants fueled by coal, oil, and nuclear reactions in New England. This, coupled with rising demand for electricity in the region, will make it more attractive to build natural gas power plants in Connecticut, as natural gas is cheaper than the other fuels and burns significantly cleaner.
The addition of any new power plants in Connecticut would increase emissions coming out of the state. Even if some in-state oil, coal, or nuclear plants retire as a result of the Obama standards, the addition of new power plants will lead to a net increase in emissions, according to DEEP, as natural gas plants tend to operate for more days of the year. This would be especially true if the nuclear Millstone Power Station closed down, as that is New England’s largest power plant and generates practically zero emissions.
DEEP also expects in-state emissions to rise over the near-term, as more people and businesses switch to natural gas for heating. That increase in demand will leave less natural gas available to the region’s power plants, particularly in the winter months. As a result, power plants that operate on coal and oil – which cause more pollution than natural gas power plants – will have to operate longer to make up the difference.
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