Emily Pomilio (480) 286-0401, emily.pomilio@sierraclub.org
Mark Kresowik, (319)621-7393, mark.kresowik@sierraclub.org
Boston, M.A. — Independent System Operator New England (ISO-NE), the regional electric grid operator for Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and most of Maine announced the results of its capacity auction yesterday. The auction will ensure that the region has enough electricity generating capacity to keep the lights on through 2021.
Due to increased energy efficiency and clean energy, prices for consumers declined and the Bridgeport coal plant in Connecticut will be affordably and reliably replaced without new gas plants such as the Killingly proposal in Connecticut.
In response Mark Kresowik, Eastern Region Deputy Director for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign issued the following statement:
"New England continues to demonstrate that energy efficiency and clean energy can affordably and reliably replace dirty energy like the retiring Bridgeport coal plant, and we don’t need more gas. Families and businesses will see the benefits of increased investments in efficiency and clean energy with lower prices. The auction also signals that old and inefficient plants are no longer needed which means less air pollution, keeping our residents healthier.”
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.