Laidlaw Energy Group, Inc.(fka LLEG)

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PUC wraps testimony on power agreement for Laidlaw BioPower

The Berlin Daily Sun Newspaper (page 6)
http://www.laconiadailysun.com/BerlinPDF/2011/2/16B.pdf

PUC wraps testimony on power agreement for Laidlaw BioPower

CONCORD – Testimony has ended on Public Service of N.H.’s proposed power purchase agreement with Laidlaw Berlin BioPower. The N.H. Public Utilities Commission heard five days of testimony and cross-examination spread over several weeks. The hearing wrapped up Wednesday. Parties had until Feb. 14 to submit written closing arguments.

Once the closing arguments are submitted and the transcripts for the hearing are available, the PUC will deliberate on all the evidence submitted and arrive at a decision. PSNH has entered into a 20-year agreement to purchase energy, capacity, and renewable energy certificates from the 70-megawatt biomass plant Laidlaw is proposing to build in Berlin. The PUC must approve the agreement before it can take effect.

Many local officials have expressed support for the agreement, arguing it would allow needed financing for the Laidlaw plant. Supporters argue the biomass plant will bring needed jobs and economic activity to the North Country. In testimony submitted on the city’s behalf, consultant George Sansoucy estimated property tax payments by the facility would result in a 17 percent reduction in Berlin’s tax rate. In addition to creating 40 direct jobs, the city said the facility would create several hundred indirect jobs through its $25 million annual purchases of wood.

Opponent include the owners of other small biomass plants who charge there is not enough low grade wood and smaller facilities would have a tough time competing. The Office of the Consumer Advocate submitted testimony arguing the agreement could cost ratepayers as much as $400 million in over market costs for energy, capacity, and renewable energy credits over the 20 years.

An approved purchase power agreement appears to be the final step in Laidlaw’s effort to convert the former mill boiler into a biomass plant.

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