FirstEnergy to deactivate Davis-Besse

CARROLL TWP. — FirstEnergy's Davis-Besse nuclear power plant will likely close in 2020.The company announced this week it filed a deactivation notice for Davis-Besse and two other nuclear plants in Perry, Ohio, and Shippingport, Pa. Plant closures are subject to review by PJM Interconnection, a regional transmission organization. In all likelihood, the plants will close unless the state or federal government steps in with a legislative answer to assist companies in the nuclear energy market, or if a buyer comes forward."The decision to deactivate these facilities is very difficult and in no way a reflection on the dedicated, hard-working employees who operate the plants safely and reliably or on the local communities and union leaders who have advocated passionately on their behalf," said Don Moul, president of FirstEnergy and chief nuclear officer.Davis-Besse's influence on the region can't be understated. The plant employs more than 700 people — tops across the county — pays taxes covering 20 percent of the Oak Harbor-area school district's annual budget, and in 2016 paid about $9 million in taxes to Ottawa County, according to the auditor's office.Read: Davis-Besse devalue slashes school funding"Although this was not unexpected, we're disappointed," Ottawa County commissioner Jim Sass told the Register. "This may open the door for other opportunities down the road. But if they can't come up with something legislatively, hopefully, the facility can be sold."It's possible FirstEnergy has a problem finding a potential buyer. In November 2016, the company announced its intent to exit the competitive energy market due to weak power prices and concerning financial forecasts. Since then, a buyer has not been announced. In today's energy market, nuclear isn't as profitable as it once was. Meanwhile, alternative sources, such as natural gas, are surging."As commissioners, we continue to push for nuclear power to have a seat at the energy table," Ottawa County commissioner Mark Stahl said. "We need a diverse mix of energy sources."Sass and Stahl said Davis-Besse is a strong community asset with billions of dollars worth of improvements during its decades-long life."It's a highly functioning plant," Sass said. "It's not something that you kick the tires and they fall off."Still, the concern remains: What will those 700 employees do if the plant closes?"Even if we don't find another buyer, the decommissioning won't happen overnight," said Stephanie Kowal, director of Ottawa County Job and Family Services. "They would have to maintain operations for a period of time during decommissioning."If all goes according to plan, Davis-Besse would cease energy generation in 2020. The shutdown and eventual decommissioning could take years.Kowal said experts are looking at ways to retain as many jobs in the county as possible."We started a meeting — job and family services, the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation, and economic development groups from neighboring counties — to do some strategic planning," Kowal said.Kowal explained the value of Davis-Besse's workforce and gave advice to employees who heard FirstEnergy's announcement."Don't panic," Kowal said. "Just know that there are plans in place that if a new owner doesn't come in, employment opportunities to keep people in our community, including skilled trade jobs, are available. Davis-Besse has folks with real marketable skills and they're an asset that businesses are starving for."Davis-Besse nuclear power station.Sounding offA handful of officials spoke up about Davis-Besse's future and its importance to the region.• Mark Coppeler, Ottawa County commissioner: "While this announcement was one we were hoping to avoid, it was something that local leaders and stakeholders knew was a possibility. The Ottawa County commissioners will continue to work with FirstEnergy Corporation and FirstEnergy Solutions as things continue to evolve."• Jamie Beier Grant, director of the Ottawa County Improvement Corporation: "We will continue to push for the recognition that nuclear energy provides to our nation's grid security. Furthermore, we look to our continued partnership with our community stakeholders, elected officials and the dedicated men and women who make up the workforce of our power plant. We look forward to exploring options for a solution of continued operation of these nuclear power generation stations."• Guy Parmigian, superintendent for Benton-Carroll-Salem Schools: "The reaction to the news is really tough. It's tough for an important stakeholder in our community. When we heard the news, my thoughts were with the 700-plus employees and contractors working for Davis-Besse who are our friends and neighbors in our school district. The second thing on my mind was that we as a district will continue to advocate for nuclear power to be a part of this nation's portfolio for energy security. I know we're a small voice as a school district, but we're going to make sure we're heard with the commissioners, folks in Lake County and union leaders in Toledo. I believe we're all on the same page to do whatever we can to make sure this plant stays in operation."Reach news editor Patrick Pfanner at pfanner@sanduskyregister.com, follow him on Twitter @PatPfanner and follow the Register at Facebook.com/SanduskyRegisterFILE â€" In this April 4, 2017, file photo, plumes of steam drift from the cooling tower of FirstEnergy Corp.'s Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in Oak Harbor, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)