Unfortunately, the most important issue at hand has been conspicuously glossed over in these debates. Our immediate need is to begin securing baseload power sources, which will provide economical electricity 24 hours per day, 365 days each year after the current agreements with Vermont Yankee and Hydro-Quebec expire. Make no mistake, all Vermonters need to find opportunities within their own homes and businesses to switch to more energy efficient technology and reduce consumption by adopting conservation practices for all energy usage. Additionally, where economically viable without massive government subsidies, all in-state renewable energy sources should be developed. Local sources tend to be more reliable, provide greater economic benefits and facilitate fuel and supply source diversity. But, renewables, (excluding large hydro), efficiency and conservation will never to be able to meet fully Vermont's electrical energy needs. Nor do they eliminate the need for baseload supply.

While Vermont must look toward the future, it is equally important to recognize the significant achievements we have already made when it comes to our electricity portfolio. Vermont has the lowest overall carbon emissions of any state and the second lowest CO2 per capita rate in the nation. We should be proud of these numbers and the fact that Vermont's carbon emission rates consistently run about half the national average. We are much lower than neighbor states such as Massachusetts and New Hampshire because of our base-load sources of power, nuclear and hydro, supply two-thirds of our current electricity.

This year, Vermont's energy future has become one of the most fiercely debated topics among state officials. Energy is one of the few issues that will seriously impact our economic growth, the environment, public health, safety and state budget. Most of the recent discussion has focused on government spending programs to achieve "energy independence", increase efficiency in the fuel sector and support developing renewables to reduce "global warming".

Unfortunately, the most important issue at hand has been conspicuously glossed over in these debates. Our immediate need is to begin securing baseload power sources, which will provide economical electricity 24 hours per day, 365 days each year after the current agreements with Vermont Yankee and Hydro-Quebec expire.

Make no mistake, all Vermonters need to find opportunities within their own homes and businesses to switch to more energy efficient technology and reduce consumption by adopting conservation practices for all energy usage.

Additionally, where economically viable without massive government subsidies, all in-state renewable energy sources should be developed. Local sources tend to be more reliable, provide greater economic benefits and facilitate fuel and supply source diversity.

But, renewables, (excluding large hydro), efficiency and conservation will never to be able to meet fully Vermont's electrical energy needs. Nor do they eliminate the need for baseload supply.

In order to secure the broadest energy portfolio, Vermont must focus on a multi-faceted approach, not on the "silver bullet" using limited public funds.

First, we must ensure our baseload sources, Vermont Yankee and Hydro-Québec, remain online. Both sources have ultra-low carbon emissions, which maintains Vermont's record as a low carbon emissions state. In the case of Vermont Yankee, the plant also provides significant economic benefits to the Windham County region and the entire state. According to the Vermont Department of Public Service, the cost of its power alone (at a fixed cost of four cents per kilowatt-hour compared to current market prices, which are now 6-7 cents per kWh) will save Vermont ratepayers $668 million by 2012.

Secondly, Vermont must determine how to remove the many regulation and community obstacles to efficiency upgrades and developing more in-state renewable energy sources. The truth is that sources like wind face serious "Not In My Back Yard" (NIMBY) opposition. Unless we can deal with these challenges, few renewable energy projects will be developed and brought online.

Finally, encouraging more Vermonters to use less energy, through conservation and more efficient products is crucial in keeping electricity demand manageable.

By refusing to acknowledge the contribution of both Vermont Yankee and Hydro-Québec, and by refusing to recognize that Vermont needs these sources moving forward, we are doing a grave disservice to the future of this great state.

Let us talk about continuing our progress. Let us talk about developing renewables. Let us talk about energy efficiency and conservation. However, let us not do so at the expense of addressing the need for the baseload resources that preserve our public safety, health, economy and our environment.

 

Milt Eaton, of Brattleboro, is a former Vermont Secretary of Development and Community Affairs, a former Department of Energy official and current member of the Vermont Energy Partnership.

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