March 13, 2012
MONTVILLE LAWMAKERS FIND OPPORTUNITY IN BIOMASS MERGER
Governor Malloy Encouraged to Consider Proposal
The Montville region legislative delegation, led by the House Chair of the Public Health Committee, Rep. Betsy Ritter (Montville/Waterford), sent a letter to Governor Dannel P. Malloy in support of a proposed Montville Biomass project at the NRG power generating facility in town and encouraged him to consider a long term commitment for biomass generation in Connecticut.
The proposal to convert a portion of the existing Montville facility to use green wood biomass as a fuel source for 40 megawatts (MW) of renewable generation has been approved by the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC).
“Cleaner, renewable energy is a critical part of our economic future," said Rep. Tom Reynolds
(D-Ledyard). "The new Montville biomass facility brings a host of benefits to the region and good paying jobs. We must ensure that additional plants are planned for and built to meet our needs in the years to come.”
To be successful, the new facility will need a buyer for the energy generated and thus the delegation is asking Governor Malloy to support approval of the Northeast Utilities and Boston-based NSTAR merger (NU-NSTAR), only on condition the companies enter into a long term contract for new biomass generation in Connecticut.
“This project has the potential of generating a significant source of job creation and revenue for Montville,” Rep. Ritter said. “I believe we are in a good position to move it forward and make it a reality this year.”
"Montville has long been one of the locations for the generation of power in our region. Recently this position was jeopardized with the closing of AES Thames," said Rep. Kevin Ryan (D-Montville, Bozrah, Franklin, Lebanon). "This refitting of the NRG plant will reinstate and stabilize our status as an energy generator with clean energy, good jobs and taxes to the Town of Montville."
Also signing the letter were, State Senator Edith Prague (19th District) and Sen. Andrea Stillman (20th District).
Copy of letter to the governor is attached.