LETTERS
Friday, January 8, 2010
Amen on EKPC
I echo Father John S. Rausch's opinion column from Dec. 7, "East Kentucky Power Cooperative's proposed Smith coal-fired power plant should be reconsidered."
EKPC's proposal for a new coal plant is both a risk to Kentucky's air and water and an unnecessary burden on co-op customers. Conditions have changed in the more than two years since the Public Service Commission granted permission for this project.
The plant, once deemed conveniend and necessary by the PSC, is no longer either of those things.
The price of coal-generated electricity has continued to rise while the alternatives are becoming significantly more cost efficient.
Even in terms of jobs, if the EKPC were to direct its resources toward renewable energy and energy efficiency, it would create more than 8,750 jobs, as opposed to the mere 700 construction and 60 permanent jobs of a new coal plant.
In addition, energy demand in the co-op region is declining, making EKPC's proposed plant unnecessary.
It's time the PSC revoke EKPC's certificate of approval for the Smith plant.
Anyone supporting revocation should contact Attoney General Jack Conway to ask him to take a stand on this utility issue on behalf of co-op customers and the health of our region.
Holly Shipley
Lexington