DC residents offered clean nuclear energy at competitive rates

Washington D.C. Embraces Clean Nuclear Energy with New Pilot Program

In a move towards sustainable energy solutions, residents of Washington D.C. now have the opportunity to power their homes with clean nuclear energy. Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) unveiled a retail pilot program on December 17, offering nuclear energy at a competitive rate of 11.99 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is below the current rate provided by local utilities.

According to a statement from CEG, “Nuclear energy is the nation’s largest source of carbon-free electricity, providing nearly 20% of the total electricity supply in the United States and about half of its carbon-free energy. It is a reliable, always-on power source, capable of operating around the clock to meet the nation’s energy needs with zero greenhouse gas emissions.”

This initiative aligns with efforts by Maryland legislators to explore energy alternatives, particularly in the wake of opposition to the 70-mile Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project. Concerns have been raised regarding potential impacts on property values, livelihoods, and farmland.

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Critics of the project, such as Maryland Sen. Chris West, argue it offers little benefit to the state. “It may add to the profitability of commercial data centers down in Loudon County, but for Marylanders, it’s only going to bring destruction to their lives and livelihoods,” West commented to FOX45.

During a recent town hall, Mark Aitken, president of One Media Technologies, emphasized the potential of nuclear energy among various solutions. “There’s a myriad of solutions, there’s not just one solution here,” Aitken noted, highlighting nuclear energy as a viable option for increasing in-state electricity generation.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has also voiced skepticism about the project, stating, “Unless there’s adjustments, I don’t see a plan moving forward,” in a conversation with FOX45. He questioned the lack of adequate state and community engagement in the current project planning.

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Though Gov. Moore’s stance on reallocating resources towards nuclear energy remains unclear, PJM data shows that 7.8% of Maryland’s energy in 2023 came from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro. The state also utilized nuclear power, with 42.9% of in-state energy generated from the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant last year.

Despite these efforts, Maryland’s energy consumption exceeds its production, a challenge mirrored nationwide. Companies like Meta are seeking nuclear energy solutions to support their energy-intensive AI initiatives, reflecting a broader shift towards cleaner energy sources. “We believe nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in the transition to a cleaner, more reliable, and diversified electric grid,” stated Meta in a press release.

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CEG’s Chief Strategy and Growth Officer, Kathleen Barrón, remarked, “Policymakers, tech companies and even former Miss America and nuclear engineer Grace Stanke, have all embraced this zero-carbon, always-on energy source, and now Washingtonians can too.”

Residents interested in transitioning to nuclear energy can visit Constellation’s website to sign up using their address and utility bill information.