Vt. Yankee problem to hurt rate payers

August 23, 2007

MONTPELIER — The failure of a cooling tower at Vermont Yankee nuclear plant could mean higher electricity bills for consumers, officials said Wednesday.

Central Vermont Public Service Corp. and Green Mountain Power Corp., the two biggest buyers of Vermont Yankee power, said it was too early to know if they will seek rate hikes to compensate for having to buy power from other, more expensive sources because of the Vermont Yankee problem.

"Vermont Yankee telling us that the plant is running like new is like a hair dresser telling you that you look twenty years younger. It's nice to hear, but far from the truth," said James Moore, energy advocate for Vermont Public Interest Research Group.

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