Last year, the $300 million Sutter Energy Plant known as one of the cleanest plants in the nation closed indefinitely. This closing was highly controversial as the plant was supposed to have a 30-40 year long lifespan however it was only open for merely 15 years due to an oversight in energy necessity in California. Because of the adoption of cleaner energy sources by Californian consumers, several Californian power plants have been closed because of the surplus of energy provided in California. If this continues, California residents will end up paying billions in costs because of higher approval rates for energy sources.
In my opinion, I think that it is beneficial for California to close power plants that produce high amounts of harmful emissions. However I do not agree with the closing of cleaner energy plants while those which are much more harmful are still being used as that is not environmentally ethical. I do like the idea that California is cutting down on its energy usage and therefore we do not need as many power plants because of the adoption of clean energy practices, but I do not think that we should close clean plants prematurely as there must be alternatives for excess energy. By prematurely closing plants, it is costs the taxpayers millions with seemingly an unfulfilled promise on their investments.
Source:
Campion, J. (2017, February 10). California Power Plants Strike Danger to Consumers.
Retrieved from: http://www.laloyolan.com/news/california-power-plants-strike-danger-to-consumers/article_76483d53-21d6-5fb4-9530-91f1fbdb065d.html
I think it is interesting that we have a surplus of power. I also think it is amazing that so much of California’s power actually comes from renewable sources like wind, solar, and especially hydro. I don’t get how closing the plant will cost us money? Did the plant just close before it made back all the money they spent building it?
I agree with your idea that the closing of clear energy plants instead of the harmful ones will hurt our environment and we should find a solution to this situation. Question do you think the closing of the power plants and the people losing there jobs will effect our environment?