Trump order on coal, nuclear power could force Nebraska, Iowa utilities to raise rates

[jpak]

https://www.omaha.com/money/economic-issues/trump-order-on-coal-nuclear-power-could-force-nebraska-iowa/article_5f6f532d-e726-59d2-a9ff-f5b6e86a7344.html

Utilities that deliver electricity to homes and businesses in Nebraska and Iowa are watching for a final rule after President Donald Trump’s order in June to boost certain coal and nuclear plants.

One possible change, in a draft document leaked from the Department of Energy, would require electric system operators to purchase power for two years from coal and nuclear power plants deemed a national security priority.

Such a rule would change the trajectory of power purchases by public utilities in Nebraska and private utilities elsewhere that are purchasing more power produced with natural gas, wind and solar.

The question, experts say, is whether utilities, or their customers, can afford to turn back to coal and nuclear power without charging customers more for electricity and costing American jobs in other energy sectors.

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[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Whatever happened to letting the free market do its thing?

I thought GOPers didn't like to pick favorites but just wanted the market to determine whether a business succeeded. Guess not, huh?

[Hortensis]

2. Good. If I could I'd anger him into doubling down

on everything before November 6. Repubs, of course, are trying to delay most of the pain they're causing until AFTER the midterms, when their voters will have another 2 years to resign themselves before 2020.

No doubt utilities in both states would be heading straight to court.