New natural gas power plant is good for the state

The Connecticut Siting Council made the right call in approving the Killingly Energy Center. As the state’s independent regulatory authority with jurisdiction over siting energy and telecommunications proposals, the siting council is charged with balancing the need for adequate and reliable public utility services at the lowest reasonable cost with the responsibility of protecting the environment and ecology of the state.

After years of careful consideration and thoughtful deliberation, the siting council approved the Killingly Energy Center — a project that will not only provide substantial economic development but also a cleaner, more reliable and more affordable source of energy that Connecticut and the New England region so urgently needs.

The Killingly Energy Center will be one of the cleanest, most efficient natural gas power generation facilities in North America, using state-of-the-art technology that will allow it to operate 25 percent more efficiently than the average electric generator in Connecticut. The facility’s operation will also help displace older, higher-emitting oil and coal-fired plants — and because natural gas facilities have the ability to ramp up quickly, they support the integration of additional renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.

Beyond this, project developer NTE Energy has committed to supporting the state of Connecticut’s compliance with the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 by operating the facility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the state’s reduction targets.

Together, this will reduce emissions significantly and help improve air quality across Connecticut and New England.

In addition to these environmental benefits, the Killingly Energy Center will bring significant economic benefits to our state. NTE is committed to bringing into Connecticut $700 million in private funding to construct and operate the KEC. That is $700 million of out-of-state private capital in a state anxious for new investment. And unlike businesses that so often seek public funds and taxpayer dollars, NTE is not looking for any state incentives or financing.

For the town of Killingly, the Killingly Energy Center will be the town’s largest property taxpayer, paying over $110 million to the town and local fire district over 20 years. A $5 million lump sum community environmental benefit payment, meanwhile, will support community projects and scholarships for local students. These substantial economic development benefits come without the need for major municipal services or new infrastructure. No new schools, hospitals, or roads, for example, need to be provided by local government.

Approximately 600 construction jobs will be created over the three-year construction period, along with about 20 full-time, well-paying jobs once the facility is operational. NTE Energy has also committed to partnering with the building trades to provide students at Killingly’s Ellis Technical High School with direct access and work opportunities on the construction of the Killingly Energy Center.

We need to continue to respect and follow the process laid out by the state. For the Killingly Energy Center, the Connecticut Siting Council has done its job and has done it thoroughly and thoughtfully. Connecticut residents will surely be the beneficiaries.