FirstEnergy Seeking Nuclear Subsidy Legislation Via ZEC Program In Ohio, Would Still Sell Nukes
February 23,2017
Ohio lawmakers are working with FirstEnergy to design a zero emissions credit program to provide subsidies to its merchant nuclear units, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
The Plain Dealer reports that ZECs would be nonbypassable
However, FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones said during an earnings call that although the company is advocating for a ZEC program, FirstEnergy does not expect to own the plants beyond the mid-2018 deadline for its competitive business exit.
Asked whether FE would be interested in owning the nuclear units should lawmakers elect to allow the assets to return to ratebase, Jones said that he doesn't see any possibility for such an outcome in the timeframe FE has set for exiting the competitive business.
"So, I don't even think we should even be talking about that," Jones said