As part of her testimony before the House Consumer Affairs Committee, Public Utility Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer Thursday highlighted that many questions are left unanswered by FirstEnergy on its decision to close the Hatfield’s Ferry and Mitchell power plants in western Pennsylvania.

“The PUC’s role is to ensure reliability of the electric service at reasonable rates for consumers and also balance the needs of utility companies, but these two facilities both generate together about 2,000 MW of power and that base load of generation is enough to power about a million and a half Pennsylvania homes for a year,” said Commissioner Witmer in a video news release. “We are concerned that there will not be enough power for reliability of the grid for consumers.”

In her testimony, Commissioner Witmer said it was her obligation as a PUC Commissioner “to ask tough questions and ensure that every possible alternative short of closure has been fully explored and vetted.” The PUC supports the restructured electricity market in Pennsylvania, she said. However, part of the PUC’s mission is to balance the needs of consumers and utilities while at the same time working to “ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest…and further economic development.”

Commissioner Witmer also probed why the company seems unwilling to explore options such as converting the operations to natural gas or selling the facilities to other interested parties who would be willing to make the necessary environmental upgrades.

Other Comments

Rep. Peter Daley (D-Washington), Minority Chair of the House Consumer Affairs Committee said at the hearing, “Thursday’s hearing revealed what many have suspected – the shutdowns would pose risks to the regional economy, the electricity grid and the future of coal in Pennsylvania. The case has been made that FirstEnergy should reconsider its decision to shutter the plants.

“No one should concede an inch or an ounce of coal on these issues. We will reinforce our steadfast belief in the region, its workers and the long-term viability of coal as a foundation of any sensible energy policy.

“Valid concerns have been raised that FirstEnergy is searching for excuses to justify the shutdowns rather than presenting sound economic reasons. Until those concerns are addressed, the shutdowns should be delayed indefinitely.”

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10/7/2013