Waupun Utilities will continue meeting local electricity needs with nuclear energy through a new agreement between its not-for-profit power supplier, WPPI Energy, and NextEra Energy Resources.
“By maintaining a diverse mix of resources that includes nuclear, renewables and natural gas, we help protect our customers from cost swings that can occur when relying on any single source,” said Steve Brooks, General Manager.
WPPI will continue to take 168 megawatts (MW) of electric generation from the Point Beach Nuclear Plant into the 2050s. Located near the WPPI member community of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Point Beach Nuclear is a major source of emissions-free baseload generation in the region and has supplied dependable power since the early 1970s.
“Maintaining a diverse, balanced portfolio is one of the WPPI membership’s greatest strengths,” said Mike Peters, president and CEO of WPPI. “Securing this emissions-free baseload resource at a known cost supports long-term stability for our member communities in a rapidly changing energy industry.”
The agreement follows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s approval of the plant’s second license renewal in September, which allows the facility to continue operating for an additional 20 years.
