Governor Minner Releases Statement Regarding Delaware's Energy Future
Statement
Governor Minner Releases Statement Regarding Delaware's Energy Future
"The decision to build new electrical generation in Delaware is an important and complicated issue that should not be taken lightly. The PSC voted this week to support a hybrid approach to wind energy with some concern for a reliable backup system to address inconsistent wind conditions and to address capacity issues in the beach areas."
"Secretary Hughes opted to not make a decision this week but instead chose to take some additional time to consider the record developed throughout the proceeding, including the new information revealed at the hearing, and to consider his priorities in light of the magnitude of the decision. Director Davis made the same decision. A two week delay to an otherwise year long process is not extraordinary or harmful, but seeks time to make an informed, deliberative decision on a matter of utmost importance."
"It's important that whatever solution is chosen consider the implication to our existing generation assets. In 2005, a year before the RFP was issued by Delmarva Power, NRG announced plans to build the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle plant that was ultimately reflected in their bid under the RFP. At that time, I recognized and supported that proposal as a potentially significant improvement to existing emissions at the Indian River Power Station. For over thirty years, I have worked to clean up that plant, and I will continue to do so during my tenure as Governor. Going forward, the IGCC bid could still be a positive improvement to Indian River, but it must be compared and possibly integrated into a solution that may include environmentally beneficial options, such as wind."
"The issue today is also much more than a coal versus wind debate. We must also consider price issues, siting concerns, transmission needs, system reliability and fuel cost variability in our decision process. They are all equally deserving aspects of this most important decision, warranting additional consideration and time, I expect the two agencies, DNREC and OMB, to make their decisions known by May 22."
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