Ohio nuclear energy summit attendees express worry over plant closures

At a recently held nuclear energy summit in Columbus, Ohio, attendees discussed what might happen if
two of the state’s nuclear plants, which are currently at risk financially, shut down early and how to
prevent that from happening.

FirstEnergy Corp.’s Davis Besse and Perry may shut down years before their operating licenses expire.

“Markets don’t provide adequate compensation for the real value nuclear energy provides. What is not valued may be lost, as we’ve seen with several plant closures,” Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) President
and CEO Maria Korsnick said. “Ohio is looking for solutions.”

According to the Benton-Carroll-Salem School District Superintendent Guy Parmigean the loss of the two plants would be damaging to the school system. Forty percent of school district revenues come from Davis Besse’s taxes, and uncertainty about the plant’s future has already caused the school district to postpone plans for a new school.

Korsnick pointed out to summit attendees that the shutdown of the nuclear plants could lead to high electricity prices and urged them to take action.

“Let your legislators know that you’re very aware of this issue and that it matters to you,” Korsnick said. “Legislators need the confidence that, if they make this tough decision, they’re going to have voters who will stick with them.”