Competition, done right, can work. Vermont is not California. California is a disaster primarily because it deregulated in a tight market without sufficient new capacity already in the pipeline. In contrast , New England will have plenty of spare power to meet growing demand. In fact, New England could become the first region in the U.S. to meet the goals for worldwide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions despite President s Bush s rejection of the Kyoto protocol.
Fair competition means lower prices, cleaner air, and a stronger economy.
Vermont should get in the game. Without a freer market in energy, Vermonters will be unable to share in the benefits of energy choice and cleaner power. Third, Vermont should stop subsidizing Vermont Yankee. Continued reliance on nuclear power makes no economic sense. Electricity from nuclear plants is the most expensive form of power when all costs are considered.