CLECO files IRP reducing coal and bringing more renewables to Louisiana

Louisiana -- CLECO filed its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) at the Louisiana Public Service Commission today that will guide the energy mix used to provide electricity to customers across Louisiana for the next 20 years.  The plan provides for acquiring up to 1400 MW of wind and cutting back the operation of its Dolet Hills coal-burning power plant but all of the available data shows that Dolet Hills should be permanently retried as soon as feasible.

Indeed, Dolet Hills coal-burning  power plant in DeSoto Parish operates at a net loss annually and is too expensive to continue running.   Reducing dispatch at Dolet Hills and bringing on 1400 MW of wind and solar is not enough, effectively leaving millions of dollars in savings that could be passed on to their customers. CLECO’s own data confirm that phasing out this plant is the least cost option and could save the utility $60 million annually.  The 40 year old coal plant is the largest single source of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollution of any power plant in the state. It is also one of the largest carbon dioxide polluters anywhere in Louisiana. CLECO will have to replace costly coal plants, Rodemacher and Dolet Hills, with cheaper and cleaner energy options to save its customers money while reducing pollution. 

In response, Campaign Representative for Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign in Louisiana, Cherelle Blazer released the following statement:

“Cleco’s plan establishes less coal and more renewable energy in Louisiana. This is a strong first step and signifies a new day for Louisiana as our power grid transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy.  We call on Cleco to do more to reduce pollution and lower utility bills for customers by completely phasing out old, expensive polluting coal plants and increasing solar and wind. ”