A Davis-Besse without FirstEnergy?

CARROLL TWP. — FirstEnergy recently confirmed the company will exit the competitive energy generation business. That means it could abandon the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant in Carroll Township. Its other facilities, including nuclear, coal and natural gas assets, face uncertain futures, too. It's not yet known if the local plant, which employs roughly 700, will close or be sold."In an interview last week, FirstEnergy chief financial officer Jim Pearson confirmed the company's intention to exit competitive generation," company spokeswoman Jennifer Young told the Register. "We have not made any final decisions or announcements about the future of the plants, including whether they will be sold or closed."In 2016, the company announced it would review its strengths and weaknesses, including nuclear energy production plants, to determine their future. "Mr. Pearson also discussed the challenges faced as we continue the review, such as the recent FERC decision that does not result in any support for the plants and the challenges with finding a buyer in the current market," Young said.The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected a proposal from President Donald Trump's secretary of energy, Rick Perry, earlier this month to help nuclear power stations by providing subsidies to plants with fuel supplies lasting at least 90 days.The proposal would've effectively provided a boost to plants using coal and nuclear power to generate electricity.FirstEnergy's fight isn't over. The company recently implored state officials to do more for the industry. "FirstEnergy is continuing to encourage state-level action to support nuclear plant operations," Young said. "We continue to engage in discussions with state leaders about the benefits nuclear plants provide to the state and the need for legislation to support their operation. The most recent hearing was held in front of the Senate Public Utilities Committee on Jan. 25. We are hopeful the dialogue will lead to a timely and meaningful solution for nuclear power."Reach news editor Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterDavis Besse Nuclear Power Plant.