Power Company Seeks to Acquire More Coal-fired Energy

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) The parent company of Rocky Mountain Power is preparing to acquire its next major power generators. A draft of the proposal establishes coal-fired power as the benchmark for the acquisition. The Sierra Club's Tim Wagner says it's a step in the wrong direction:

"In terms of addressing global warming, this is a major build-out for traditional coal," says Wagner. "We should be looking at other sources for energy besides this Industrial Age technology."

Rocky Mountain Power spokesman Dave Eskelson says the company will gladly consider other forms of power in the proposal, if they meet the output and cost requests. But he says renewable energy sources like wind and water won't be sufficient to meet all of the company's power needs, so coal will remain a part of the mix.

The Utah Public Service Commission is taking public comment on the request through Friday. Email comments to mlivingston@utah.gov.

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