As the coal fight continues in Topeka, an investment analysis firm has taken a look at the Sunflower coal plant proposal and concluded that the utility "has failed to account for likely regulatory scenarios, and will therefore expose its ratepayers to the significant financial exposure associated with a strategic focus on developing new coal capacity."
Apparently, the firm, Innovest, conducted and released the analysis pro bono. The study is attached.
It's a restatement of the concerns some have with Sunflower's plans to build two new 700-MW coal-burning generators at its Holcomb, Ks. power station. They say likely future Congressional action to tax or limit carbon emissions will greatly increase the cost of coal-generated electricity and leave ratepayers footing the bill.
A state regulator nixed the expansion last year, citing the plant's potential CO2 emissions. Lawmakers angry at the decision have spent most of the session trying to pass legislation to circumvent the regulator's objections and get the plants built. Their last attempt was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and it's looking like an attempt to override the veto will fall short.
Look for more debate on the coal plant today in the House. A new bill is up on general orders for the House. It's very much like the old one - take away the regulator's discretion, allow Sunflower to reapply, etc. We'll let you know whether the votes have changed.
| Attachment | Size |
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| SunflowerReport_PDF[1].pdf | 588.11 KB |
