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Future of Nuclear Energy in Connecticut Discussed at State Capitol

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The Millstone Power Plant in Waterford has been in operation in Connecticut since the 1970s. It provides the state about half of its power.

Atomic energy advocates, state employees, and energy business leaders recently met with legislators in Hartford to assess the future of Connecticut's only nuclear power plant -- the Millstone Power Station in Waterford.

Millstone produces about half the energy consumed in Connecticut. On Thursday, lawmakers questioned what would happen if the plant closed.

"I do not anticipate, in the short term, the need to shut down Millstone," said Daniel Stoddard, senior vice president of nuclear operations at Dominion, which runs the plant.

Stoddard, who made a presentation to the state's Energy and Technology Committee, said natural gas production is driving overall energy prices down, while Millstone's operating costs continue to go up -- a disparity he said could present profitability problems for Millstone.

"Ultimately, we want to be in a position where Millstone can compete on a level playing field with other forms of generation," Stoddard said. "Particularly, other forms of carbon-free generation, where the benefits that it provides, for fuel diversity, for reliability, for the environmental benefits, can be recognized in the market."

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, in its presentation to the committee, said there is no indication Millstone will close anytime in the next decade. And its two reactors have been re-licensed through 2035 and 2045.

But if Millstone did close, the DEEP said the state would have a harder time meeting its carbon emission goals -- and would need to build out more natural gas infrastructure.

But not everyone's convinced. At the hearing, several environmental advocates spoke up against Millstone -- saying the nuclear plant, which came online in 1970, shouldn't play a role in Connecticut's vision for a clean energy future.

Patrick Skahill is a reporter and digital editor at Connecticut Public. Prior to becoming a reporter, he was the founding producer of Connecticut Public Radio's The Colin McEnroe Show, which began in 2009. Patrick's reporting has appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, Here & Now, and All Things Considered. He has also reported for the Marketplace Morning Report. He can be reached at pskahill@ctpublic.org.

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