Plans are being made for a gradual slowdown and possible shutdown of production at the coal fired power plant in Dunkirk.
Plant owner NRG Energy anticipates shutting down the two large generating units at the plant over the next two months. The plant as a whole could be mothballed by 2015. The low cost of natural gas has made operating the coal-based plant less feasible. Mothballing the plant would allow for reopening the facility in the future.
The potential shutdown will affect 145 jobs and nearly $9 million in payments made to area schools and governments.
