Former Mississippi Business Journal reporter Amy McCullough opines in the Bigger Pie Forum about the Kemper plant:
"Mississippi Power Company, one of the state's public electric utilities, is building a $2.4 billion clean coal plant in Kemper County in east Mississippi. It’s referred to as “the Kemper plant.” Those who favor the project say the plant will save Mississippi Power customers money and provide stable, reliable and affordable energy for the next 40 years. Plant opponents say the cost of the coal plant is outrageous and will unnecessarily cost customers a lot of money.....
Mississippi Power says the Kemper plant will be cheaper for customers because the cost of coal will be cheaper than natural gas. But that's not true. (Now here comes the “geek speak.” Don't run away!)
According to documents obtained from state regulators, the price of natural gas will have to reach $12 per mBtu** by 2014 for customers to even break even on the plant, much less save money. Natural gas is currently about $2.25 per mBtu. According to the federal Energy Information Administration, in 2014 gas is expected to be only $4.57..." Rest of column
Southern Company CEO Tom Fanning addressed the natural gas question in a Wall Street Journal interview Saturday:
"Even as natural gas booms and coal-fired power falls dramatically, Southern is building new coal plants, in Kemper County, Miss. Outside Waynesboro, Ga., work is under way on the islands and cooling tower of what by 2016 will become the first new U.S. nuclear unit since the Jimmy Carter era. In Nacogdoches, Texas, Southern is building one of the country's largest commercial renewable-power stations, which will convert trash from lumber making and other forms of waste biomass into electricity.
For Mr. Fanning, this is common sense. He likens it to diversifying an investment portfolio: "You don't pick one stock." He may be right that "all of the above" is a sensible approach, but it isn't common—either in politics or in the electric industry. Mr. Fanning has emerged as one of the most trenchant (in fact, one of the only) critics of the transformative switch to gas from coal. Mr. Fanning explains, "It just doubles down your risk into one segment that looks promising today but nobody can sit here and tell me that it's going to be safe forever, safe in terms of economics and reliability."...
markets are demolishing coal more effectively than government. Since 1990, power companies have selected coal for merely 6% of new generation. Gas was the fuel for 77%, even as coal has been far more competitive than it is today.
Now gas enjoys a huge price advantage, driven by the hydraulic-fracturing techno-revolution and the vast shale reserves of the greater Midwest. When gas is trading at $6 per million British thermal units, it is 50% cheaper than coal over the life of a power plant. Today, gas is trading near $2.
Mr. Fanning isn't so sure. "When you think about the kind of time horizon that a business like ours is in, where you put capital-intensive assets in the ground with a 30- or 40-year economic life, you need to think long term," he says. So here's the skeptic's case.
"Nationwide, I think we're going to be consuming over 50% more gas going forward than we currently do," Mr. Fanning notes, "or at least there's a good potential for that." Demand for gas is growing not merely for baseload electricity but in manufacturing, chemicals, transportation, other industries. Consumption is also lagging below trend given the weak economy.
Even with many more wells and increased production, Mr. Fanning thinks gas prices will return to their historic oscillations and eventually spike. "Gas has traditionally been way more volatile certainly than coal and nuclear," he says. "So you're buying a more volatile product. You're creating a higher-Beta energy policy."....
Other risks to ultracheap gas are political. Fracking could slow if government decides to "move beyond gas" with bad regulations, and a carbon tax or cap and trade could return. Natural-gas exports will also grow as the U.S. builds more terminals and producers see business opportunities in Europe and Asia. "You're going to see a harmonization of world-wide gas prices," much like the global commodity markets for oil. "Right now essentially the U.S. has a dividend coming to the economy in terms of cheap energy," says Mr. Fanning, who doesn't think it can last.
"Believe me," he continues. "I think gas will be the dominant resource going forward. But I am not willing to subject my customers to the risk of betting it all on gas..." Cached article if you can read it
Kemper fight is far from over.
Monday, June 11, 2012
McCullough: Why should I care about Kemper plant?
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Trollfest '09
Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.
Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).
Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.
Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".
In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.
In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.
Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.
Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!
This is definitely a Beaver production.
Note: Security provided by INS.
Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).
Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.
Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".
In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.
In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.
Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.
Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!
This is definitely a Beaver production.
Note: Security provided by INS.
Trollfest '07
Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.
There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.
If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!
This is definitely a Beaver production.
Note: Security provided by INS.
There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.
If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!
This is definitely a Beaver production.
Note: Security provided by INS.
8 comments:
The Public Service Commission has screwed the people of south Mississippi. The plant made economic sense 10 years ago before the price of natural gas fell. The fundamental reason for considering the plant died when the price of natural gas fell.
PLUS
The cost of the process does not offset the cost of purchasing "clean" coal in the western U.S. and bringing it to Mississippi by railroad.
PLUS
They are saying they located the plant at the mouth of the mine from which the coal will be taken. However, the "mouth of the mine" will begin moving away from the plant once the coal is extracted.
PLUS
The cost of the plant is actually HIGHER per kilowatt hour than electricity from a nuclear plant located at the confluence of the Leaf and Chickasawhay Rivers at Merrill.
PLUS and maybe most important...
Mining the coal will likely destroy a fresh water aquifer that could provide clean and healthy drinking water for millions of people in the future. THIS IS INSANE!!!
The fresh water aquifer is thousands of feet deep. The coal is very near the surface. You last point is bogus.
Anonymous Number One,
Do you think another nuclear power plant will go over in Mississippi?
God bless.
The first one turned out to be a godsend.
Despite all the media driven controversy, it was the best investment any Mississippi electricity company ever made.
Just wait until you compare Entergy rates with Mississippi Power Co. rates when this idiotic lignite plant is built.
This is an Eddie Briggs hookup, that's all!
Many would argue that "clean coal" is an oxymoron.
Electric prices are falling elsewhere while ours are rising.
I wonder what ever happened to the rate increase that MS Power asked for a few days after the general election...
In answer to the question posed by the topic...
You should care because there will be a massive transfer of money from Mississippians to Mississippi Power Co. headquarters in Atlanta.
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