The fate of the nuclear plant in Vermont could be decided by a federal judge as early as this week, a decision with ramifications on the cost and mix of electricity in Connecticut.
The Associated Press reports both sides in the Vermont Yankee lawsuit are expecting U.S. District Court Judge J. Garvan Murtha to ability of the 600-megawatt nuclear plant to stay open after March 21.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted Vermont Yankee a 20-year license extension to operate beyond March 21. However, Vermont has not extended its state permit for the facility, a bizarre state clause that nearly all other nuclear plants aren’t subjected to, including the nuclear Millstone Power Station in Waterford, Conn.
Entergy, the owner of Vermont Yankee, filed a federal lawsuit opposing the need for a state permit. Whatever Judge Murtha decides on the matter, the losing side is expected to appeal.
If Vermont Yankee is forced to close, the entire New England power grid will lose those 600 low-cost megawatts, which could cause the price of electricity to rise throughout the region. Connecticut has the highest electricity rates in New England and the fourth highest in the country.
All of the power generated in New England is pooled. The cost of electricity at any given moment is determined by the highest cost power plant currently putting energy onto the grid. Nuclear power is among the lowest cost power, so if Vermont Yankee were to close, its electricity would have to be replaced by a higher cost provider.
