A rally was held over the weekend in Dunkirk, where residents are concerned for the future of the NRG power plant. Those concerned for the plant’s future say losing it would deal a big blow not just to those employed there, but to the greater community.
The energy production plant, a longtime coal burner, was on course to be retrofitted for production by natural gas. But those plans were put on hold in February because of a lawsuit filed by competitor, Entergy Corporation. Entergy claims that the New York State Public Service Commission overstepped its authority when approving NRG's retrofitting plan. It's a decision, Entergy's lawyers say, should have been made at the federal level.
Supporters of the NRG plant suggest Entergy had other motives in filing the lawsuit.
"I believe very strongly that Entergy wants to limit supply of power in order to increase their corporate profits at the expense of our community," said State Senator Catharine Young, who led the Saturday rally. "We fought long and hard to have the Dunkirk plant repowered, and we were successful. We were moving ahead."
Now, Dunkirk residents fear that a full shutdown of the plant will cost not only the jobs within the facility but others in the community. Young told WBFO in a telephone interview that NRG is the largest taxpayer in Chautauqua County, and provides dollars that are essential to the fiscal health of other entities including schools. The Dunkirk School District is especially concerned.
"The loss of the plant really hurts the taxpayers and the communities," Young said. "It hurts the city, the county and the school district.
"The school (district) feels it would have to lay off about 60 teachers if it lost the revenues from the NRG plants."
