Alexander, Corker question renewable energy plans by TVA
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennessee’s Republican U.S. senators, Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, are questioning why the Tennessee Valley Authority is placing greater emphasis on renewable energy as part of its long-term plans.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reports (http://bit.ly/1AgUfmX ) that the senators in a meeting with the public utility on Monday said renewable sources of energy add costs and uncertainty. Alexander said TVA should focus on nuclear power generation instead of what he called the latest “fad.”
The senators also questioned why the TVA is considering buying electricity generated by wind farms in the Midwest. TVA President and CEO Bill Johnson said the utility will only agree to buy that power if it is cost-effective.
Johnson said a mix of energy sources will help TVA ensure reliability and low costs in the future.
