AES future is still uncertain

DRESDEN—The future of the AES Greenidge coal fired power plant in Dresden is still up in the air.
In September 2010, the company filed the necessary paperwork with the New York State Public Service Commission to cease operations effective in March 2011. The company says AES operations are not profitable.
AES officials stated they are looking at cost-cutting measures for the Dresden plant and are also assessing the viability of electric power in the region. On Monday, Jan. 31, AES Plant Manager Doug Roll added the company is in discussion with New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) about AES operating for a short duration past the proposed March closing date.
AES AEE2, LLC, President Peter S. Norgeot said the site is staffed by 40 direct employees, and “is one of the largest taxpayers in Yates County.” He added the company wants to avoid permanently shutting the facility down, but for now needs to close the plant to limit costs.
Also last fall, AES filed the paperwork to close the plant in Dresden, the company also filed to close another plant in Broome County. Just like in Dresden, Norgeot said this plant in the town of Union was operating at a net loss.
AES Greenidge burns coal and biomass to create energy in Dresden. According to the company’s filing last September, since AEE2 purchased the facility, more than $40 million has been invested in the plant. Norgeot added another $9 million was invested to convert some operations into biomass burning. Up to 10 percent of the energy produced is from burning wood and wood by products. He explained despite all these investments, the plant is still losing money.