Thanks to our Kirtland lobbyist for this article.

https://www.cleveland.com/politics/2019/04/ohio-lawmakers-prepare-bill-that-would-raise-electric-bills-to-rescue-nuclear-plants.html

Here is an excerpt from the article:

“A draft version of the bill, acquired by Energy News Network’sJohn Funk, would add monthly surcharges of $2.50 for every residential electricity customer, $20 for commercial customers, and $250 to industrial customers.”
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If the Perry Nuclear plant should ultimately close down, it would have a significant economic impact to Perry and all of Lake County.  Here is a schedule that shows the loss of over $5.6 million in property tax revenue due to the recent decrease in valuation of the Perry Plant.  These figures were provided by the Lake County Auditor’s office.
Loss of Property Tax due to Perry Devaluations

Here is an article published by the Ohio Clean Energy Jobs Alliance detailing the economic, environmental, reliability, and security benefits of keeping Ohio’s Nuclear Power Plants.
Benefits of Ohio’s Nuclear Plants

The Lake County Commissioners presented a resolution in support of clean energy nuclear power in Ohio.    Clean Energy Resolution 1-3-19

We have been unable to get the total impact on Lake County property taxes if the Perry Plant should close down.  We will keep trying.

So we all get to pay an extra $30 per year to keep the plant open.  Unfortunately for seniors and those on fixed incomes, this is no difference between an increase in property taxes or an increase in utilities.  An individual’s housing affordability threshold is impacted by an increase in their utilities cost.

Remember HAT% = Add your Mortgage + Utilities + Property Taxes, if they equal 30% or more of your annual income then your home is deemed un-affordable.  For renters, add your monthly rent and your utility costs.

It makes us wonder if the taxpayers should keep bailing out companies?  Are federal and state regulations causing significant, unsustainable costs, or are the plants just inefficient.  Are they top heavy with management personnel, or are they just an industry whose time has passed and that needs to be replaced.  Whatever the reason, the taxpayers always end up with the “short end of the stick”.

Categories: Lake, Uncategorized

Tags: FT