Former Gov. Tom Salmon is calling on the state to push for the re-licensing of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant and work toward a new long-term contract with Hydro-Quebec.
The state gets about two-thirds of its power from the two electricity generators. Salmon says that if that power is lost it could cost Vermont ratepayers significantly more than what they are paying now.
After leaving office Salmon served on the board of Green Mountain Power and the Vermont Electric Power Co. He spoke yesterday to the Montpelier Rotary Club.
Salmon says renewable power supplies like wind and solar and conservation measures are important, but they can’t make up for the loss of reasonably priced power from Vermont Yankee and Hydro-Quebec.