Arizona Public Service announced a deal today for them to buy out the SoCal Edison share of the Four Corners coal-fired power plant near Farmington, shut down the older, less efficient units 1, 2, and 3, add more emissions control to remaining 4 & 5 units, and redirect the power from new units 4 and 5 to meet local needs instead of going to California according to news reports.
The deal needs Az Corporation Commission approval but on the surface it seems like something that appeals to everyone. The plant continues to meet the regions energy needs, hundreds of jobs and significant revenue continue for the Navajo Nation, emissions are drastically reduced.
The big question may be whether critics will accept continued operation of units 4 & 5 rather than shutting down the entire plant as some have called for. [photo credit, SRP]
Seems to me that a review of overhaul and update on 1,2,3 should be investigated to see if it is in fact cost effective to upgrade to make units more efficient and emmisssions friendly. Would most likely be less expensive than having to permit and build newer units. Just a thought.
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