To the editor: No saving with nukes
Ohioans shouldn’t be forced to pay for FirstEnergy’s bad business decisions.
Tue, 16 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT
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The claim that Ohio electric rates are lower because of nuclear is hogwash. I live in Kirtland, the magical 10 mile mark from Perry Nuclear in Ohio.
We have been told we do not use or receive any of the nuclear power produced here as 90 percent is sold out of state (or to southern Ohio) where they can get more money for it. Any lower rates we receive come from other production that has lower prices received from the competitive bidding process, the type FirstEnergy fought so hard for deregulation and is now fighting to get regulation back.
They want us now to be forced to pay higher rates for their nuclear production (via a requirement we buy the more expensive nuclear power produced) as well as have a monthly fee placed on every meter in the state that will go to bail out the aging, failing, nuclear plants as a reward for their bad business decisions and to enable them to sell the plants through the subsidy guarantees.
When my husband and I invested in equities, we took the risk. FirstEnergy needs this guarantee of power sales and subsidies to continue making generous dividend payments to investors at energy users in the state of Ohio’s expense.
Nothing has been said about the dangerous spent nuclear fuel being stored in cooling pools at the sites of Perry and Davis-Besse. Perry was built on an earthquake fault, and Davis-Besse is in a flood plain. Both are on Lake Erie shores.
I do not appreciate someone saying my electric bill is lower because of these plants. If we pay less in Ohio it is because of deregulation and competitive bidding and the production of solar, wind, and geothermal energy, which does not leave dangerous and deadly spent fuel that will last thousands of years and needs monitoring and expensive attending. Who is to pay for the expensive monitoring and attendance of all this spent fuel? What is to be done with it as no other state wants it?
JANET JODLOWSKI
Kirtland, Ohio
Recycle news
It was wonderful to read the update on local recycling woes and pitfalls (“Know what to throw’: Wishful recycling costing Toledo,” July 1). Our recycling company has done a terrible job of re-educating the public as the standards for recyclable materials have drastically changed.
How is it that I only recently learned that any food waste or loose plastic bags could contaminate a whole bin? We need clear guidelines that are communicated visibly, frequently, everywhere.
I’m happy to comply. Give me that list!
NANCY RAVIN
Sylvania Township
America is better than OK
Thank you David L. Brooks for standing up for America (“No, America is much better than just OK,” July 12). As you put it, we are a nation of unparalleled military power and the most prosperous country in the history of the world. We stand in the face of totalitarianism. God bless America.
JEFFREY ALEXANDER
West Toledo