Facing Electricity Grid Pressure, New England Governors Revisit Nuclear Energy

A Bipartisan group of Governors directs state energy agencies to explore advanced nuclear energy technologies

A bipartisan group of New England governors to issue a joint statement outlining their regional commitment to exploring advanced nuclear energy technologies and continuing to support the region’s existing nuclear facilities. The Governors of New Hampshire and Vermont are Republican – the other 3 are Democrat. In their joint statement, they say:

“Adequate electricity supply is critical to growing our economies, preserving public health and safety, powering our homes and businesses, and stabilizing consumer prices as demand for electricity rises across the region. New England has a long tradition of collaborating on regional energy matters. As governors, we are committed to safeguarding our collective energy future through the advancement of a diverse energy strategy that includes nuclear power, a pillar of New England’s electric system,” state the New England Governors.”

“These initiatives will complement our states’ other efforts to secure a safe, affordable, and reliable electricity grid for the 21st century,” continue the Governors. “By ensuring both the continued operation of our existing nuclear fleet and setting our region on a path to explore next-generation resources, including advanced nuclear energy technologies, the New England states will continue our leadership in grid modernization and energy innovation as we jointly work to meet the region’s current and future energy needs.”

Electricity consumption in New England is expected to increase more than 40 percent over the next 20 years, according to ISO New England. Demand for electricity in the winter is expected to grow the fastest. ISO New England’s latest forecast shows that winter peak demand is projected to double by 2045.

Here is their joint statement: