Monday, February 6, 2017

Bigger Pie: Kemper doomed from the start.

The promised value of Kemper lignite gasification to customers was false in 2010, but the PSC chose to ignore the Emperor (Southern) wore no clothes. It is time for the PSC to acknowledge the naked facts and Rule the lignite portions of Kemper Not Useful. Based on MPC’s own cost data from 2010, Kemper burning lignite is shown below to be economically worse over 40 years than Kemper turbines on natural gas, even if natural gas prices escalated to over $70/MMBTU during the last 30 years of plant operations.


In an earlier article, “Kemper Gasifier: Slow Agony, Sure Death”, the gasifier plant is described as a cancer deadly to Mississippi economic growth for decades. In 2010, the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff (MPUS) diagnosed Kemper as benign, even helpful. There was no close examination of the technology, of how much engineering was completed, of the risks and of the outrageously high natural gas price projections Southern used to justify lignite gasification. Were they oncologists, the PSC and the MPUS would now be in court for wrongful death.

In 2010, Mississippi Power Company (MPC) filed Chart 1 as they sought PSC approval to construct the Kemper clean lignite plant. The chart shows future natural gas prices that would result in the Kemper project being breakeven for customers versus building a new natural gas fired combined cycle plant (NGCC). Southern assumed and the PSC accepted the NGCC natural gas fuel would cost $10-20/MMBTU. The red line added to Chart 1 shows Southern’s natural gas price projections used to justify the lignite project. Their natural gas price projections appear fudged to make the cost of power from a stand-alone NGCC appear more expensive than from Kemper burning lignite. It was both illusion and delusion.

Chart 1 is based on the construction, operating and maintenance (O&M) and other cost estimates at the end of 2009. Financing costs, a major item, was excluded. In short, projected costs for Kemper burning lignite were a fraction of current reality. But the sleight-of-hand gets even worse. Costs for the NGCC used for the comparison in Chart 1 were increased by monies already spent for Kemper at that time. It was an extremely biased comparison even in 2010 and given current reality, laughable. The PSC saw nothing unusual and did not even take the cancer patient’s temperature.

I ask the PSC to make public an updated version of Chart 1 based on current MPC estimated costs operating Kemper on syngas compared to the Kemper NGCC as a stand-alone plant burning natural gas. I ask they use the latest U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) projected natural gas prices through 2035. From 2036 through end of the plant life, calculate the cost curve for natural gas required to make Kemper on syngas breakeven on a net present value basis with the stand-alone Kemper NGCC.



For Chart 1, MPC calculated the cost of natural gas each year to equate total costs for power from Kemper burning lignite (IGCC), versus a new natural gas plant (NGCC) burdened with unusual extra costs.  We can calculate the effect of changes in natural gas pricing on the economics (NPV) of Kemper at 2010 costs vs an NGCC.   Simply multiply the difference in current natural gas price projections above or below MPC’s breakeven prices by the volume of gas consumed each year and the net present value (NPV) discount factor for the year. 

Using MPC’s 2010 natural gas breakeven cost curve for $0/ton CO2 penalty and current EIA projected prices for natural gas delivered to electric power plants, we can calculate how truly terrible the 2010 economics of Kemper on lignite compared to the NGCC.  This is not a trivial exercise as the options for MPC customers remain electric power costs based on either Kemper burning natural gas (stand-alone NGCC) or as the proposed lignite gasification plant (IGCC).  The results are terrible for lignite, but keep in mind costs to construct, operate and maintain the Kemper burning lignite are from 2009-2010.




Chart 2:  Even with natural gas prices increasing to $70/MMBTU as shown in Chart 3, Kemper burning lignite has a lifetime ($200) million negative net present value (NPV) cost compared to Kemper turbines burning natural gas.  Costs for Kemper burning lignite are per MPC’s 03/12/2010 filing 2009-UA-14 (Chart 1).  That means the power costs from gasification in Chart 2 do not reflect the additional billions of dollars of construction, operation and maintenance, and construction finance costs since early 2010.  Costs for the current version of Kemper burning lignite would require much, much higher natural gas prices for NPV breakeven than are shown in Chart 3.   A chart showing current cost comparisons of power from Kemper on lignite vs the Kemper turbines as a stand-alone burning natural gas is what we request the PSC to publish. 

Chart 3:  The first 10-year natural gas prices in Chart 3 (black bar) are the Energy Information Agency’s (EIA) 2016 projections for costs delivered to electric utilities.   Gas prices for years 11-20 (red bar) reflect Southern’s natural gas price projections given to the PSC in 2010.  Years 21-40 (green bar) gas prices are increased to bring the Kemper lignite NPV to about negative ($200) million by year 40.  Prices in the chart illustrate how unrealistic Southern’s promise of Kemper lignite ever being economical compared to Kemper turbines burning natural gas.  We used only 10 years of EIA’s projected natural gas prices.  Using EIA’s 25 year projected natural gas prices would create NPV values for Kemper on lignite of negative billions of dollars even at $70/MMBTU gas.  The Kemper plant on lignite cannot generate enough discounted savings for customers in the latter years of operation to offset early year savings.  The risk of natural gas price volatility or the value of the dual fuel option frequently raised by Southern Co. are red herrings.
Based on MPC’s own cost data from 2010, Kemper burning lignite would be economically worse over 40 years even if natural gas prices escalated to over $70/MMBTU during the last 30 years as in Chart 3.  These results are a consequence of the very large savings by burning natural gas for the next 10-20 years or longer.

The lignite processing investments should be declared Not Useful.  MPC customers should pay only for the Kemper NGCC portion.  We acknowledge PSC legal constraints within the normal rate-making process.  We have noted in an earlier article that the PSC has the authority to adopt a tough stance on Used and Useful and on rate-making during the several years before Kemper burning lignite can demonstrate Useful.  If all Kemper rate increases related to lignite processing during that long period are refundable, unless Kemper is Useful at the end, odds are high MPC will wish to negotiate a final settlement earlier, outside the normal rate making process.  The normal regulatory process leads to Slow Agony for everyone involved and sure Death for southeastern Mississippi’s economic development.

This post was written by Charles Grayson of Bigger Pie Forum.  

This post is sponsored content provided by Bigger Pie Forum. 

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Much thanks to the Bigger Pie for all outstanding work about this incredible waste of Mississippians' hard earned (and few) dollars).

Anonymous said...

So it's the price of natural gas that killing coal. How we suppose to get our mining jobs back?

Anonymous said...

Y'all can thank the big elephants in the room. On the other hand it really matters little in the long run. We will have Feel and Tater around for a while. They can illustrate what they have learned while sitting at the feet of the great H.B.

Anonymous said...

Trump is going to drop the price of coal. We have been sending out natural gas to other countries.

Anonymous said...

At 5:21 PM
Ask the Pesident. He is a very, very smart man.

Anonymous said...

Bigger Pie is right.....but they are also totally obsessed with something they have no say so over. They sound much like a woman scorned that nobody will listen to....but but but....

Anonymous said...

Breaking News!!! The Mississippi House voted to raise taxes on you and me! what happened to those conservative values that they touted over the last few years? What happened to No New Taxes? can't wait for the next election to vote these tax mongers out of office!

Anonymous said...

I'm with you 8:47, these are the same politicians who have proudly stated, "A tax is a tax, and I am against any tax.". Apparently, they were talking out of the other side of their mouth. "Well, this is not really a new tax." I'm calling BS on these liars and I hope others do too. You can change your mind, but you cannot change the facts.

Anonymous said...

What new tax? You mean the one that has been on the books for decades but republicans encourage people not to pay? Look away look away GOP.

Anonymous said...

I'm all for fair and low taxes. But I am not for tax evasion which is what these populist wanna be Trumps in the Mississippi legislature are pushing. Think about all of the law firms represented in the legislature...you think they evade paying "use tax" every year? Naw. But they'll stand up and tell you to do it like its not really the law.

Anonymous said...

Do the companies owned by Kelly Williams and Ashyby Foote pay use taxes on out of state internet purchases every year? Does Jim Barksdale's companies pay use taxes? What about Chris McDaniel's law firm? Do they pay their fair share of use taxes based on current law?

Anonymous said...

You guys need to get off your ass and write your psc commissioner.

Anonymous said...

Kemper has the governmental reek of a culled cow beef plant and it is not from hydrogen sulfide emissions. There is a legitimate reason why no one else has built a lignite coal facility. But, of course, this is Mississippi where science and engineering matter naught.

Anonymous said...

Those who want your tax dollars tell the members of any board or commission or elected to office how wonderful they are. They tell them they have yearned for someone so smart who will understand the " real" issues.
These newly appointed and elected folks are given a far more exciting social life than they've ever had. They get to meet the wealthy and are made to feel they are accepted into the higher echelons of society. They get to go to condos and lodges and have good seats at ball games.
Instead of suspecting they are being " played", they want to believe someone has finally understood how smart and witty and wonderful they are. They believe what they want to believe. It is made easier in that they are given all the rationalizations and false information they need.
It is made easier still if their party is in power and the risks of not being re-elected are small because the true believer won't vote for the other party.
You elected these people. You keep electing them. You expect human nature to change.
You have to make systemic changes that hold those we elected and those who entice them to a higher standard of accountability . That won't happen because you don't like rules and regulations.
You should have regarded Kemper with suspicion and make the hurdle high for them, but it's business and all business people and all rich people are smart and honest...or so you thought.

Anonymous said...

can't wait for the next election to vote these tax mongers out of office!

But you won't. Redistricting. Ball game.

Anonymous said...

What about the KIOR plant in Columbus - Phil touted it a a new source of fuel. Guess what folks - the KIOR plant went belly up and the TAXPAYERS in Mississippi are about to lose $70,000,000.00. Where's the news media and why haven't they reported the facts - MDA and Phil are trying to hide something!
$70,000,000.00 - that's more than McCoy's beef plant - at least something is in that building. They have dismantled the KIOR plant bit by bit as scrape! The FEDS need to come in and clean up this mess. Phil's not going to do it, and God knows, Stacey's not - he been on the coast holding secret meetings!

Anonymous said...

You're trying to tie KiOR to Bryant? ROFLMAO Are you getting paid to be ignorant?

Anonymous said...

Haley Barbour, Fell and their cronies have made this possible. The former Southern District Public Service Commissioner who gave his deciding vote resigned because he knew he could never be elected. He got a $120,000 job thanks to Phil Bryant. He has a HS education and was made Director of a Planning and Development District.

Anonymous said...

8:47, 9:00, 9:16, 9:19 = same person

Anonymous said...

Tax and Spend!!!!

Anonymous said...

8:27 The name is Leonard Bentz

Anonymous said...

10:24 - That's right. Leonard Bentz raised some cash for HB and was able to squeeze the PSC job out of it. Bentz knew the writing was on the wall so he and Eure jumped ship and found other ways to make a living off the taxpayer. Typical MS Republican. This arrogant guy walks around patting himself on the back like he actually earned his living.

Anonymous said...

That is Leonard "I own Kemper" Bentz. And Hailey owned Leonard. And we all own the result: A $6 Bil lignite paper weight holding down the woods of Kemper County too expensive to operate as represented.



Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

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.

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
.