Peabody Power Plant Opponents Cheer Pause In Project

PEABODY, MA — Elected officials and climate advocacy groups cheered the "pause" announced Tuesday in the proposed gas power plant project in Peabody near the Danvers line.

The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company, which had pushed the plant to satisfy surge capacity requirements for Peabody Municipal Light and the region, said Tuesday morning its board of directors authorized the 30-day "pause" during a special meeting held on Monday.

It said the delay was to address concerns brought before the board, while also "considering available options to fulfill its participants' required capacity obligations under ISO New England rules."

The halt comes amid recent outcry from North Shore residents and public officials about safety, quality of life and environmental concerns surrounding the project that was first proposed five years ago.

State Rep. Sally Kerans (D-Danvers), who represents Danvers and West Peabody, wrote a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities asking for a review of the proposed plant based on the "environmental burden" the region already bears, including Route 128, a propane company, and a pipeline.

"Great news," Kerans told Patch of at least the temporary stoppage Tuesday. "It's great that the MMWEC has realized the need to revisit this and I think it's great they are working to help Peabody Light Plant and other municipalities to look at the newer technology. I thought that was very encouraging when they said: 'Is it worth taking another look at whether advancements in technology can make for a different approach today?'

"That review needs to take place. I think it will probably take more than a month. But it's welcomed news. I think this is the kind of thoughtful review that people are looking for that will give them confidence."

The power company had said the new plant was needed to provide emergency surge capacity in the case of a catastrophic event — such as what happened this winter in Texas when renewal forms of energy such as wind and solar were not considered reliable enough to meet demand follow a large snowstorm and ensuing freeze.

But on Tuesday MMWEC CEO Ron DeCurzio said the board of directors determined it is worth reexamining whether the needs can be met without an additional fossil fuel plant.

"We are thankful for the significant input we have received from interested stakeholders, including the elected and appointed leaders of the Commonwealth and from municipal officials," DeCurzio said in a statement. "We share the zeal expressed by many members of the public for embracing new technologies.

"Driving toward the best carbon-free technology, while making sure it meets reliability and affordability standards for our communities — that is in our DNA."

(Additional Patch Coverage: Power Company Slams Brakes On Proposed Peabody Plant)

The Massachusetts Climate Action Network and Community Action Work, both of which have opposed the project, issued a joint statement to Patch late Tuesday cheering the delay in what they both call the "Dirty Peak Power Plant" because it uses gas and oil to ramp up to quickly to meet potential surge demand.

"MCAN is pleased that MMWEC is taking this time to review clean energy alternatives," Massachusetts Climate Action Network Executive Director Sarah Dooling said. "We support the pausing of Special Project 2015A and encourage MMWEC to integrate input from ratepayers, advocates and light boards into a clean capacity resource.

"Dirty peakers are things of the past. We look forward to a thoughtful review process that demonstrates commitment in our public utilities to a livable, breathable future for all."

"We applaud the decision to press pause and address the concerns of Peabody neighbors about what a polluting power plant would do to their health and their community," Community Action Work’s Western Massachusetts OrganizerMireille Bejjani said. "Community members should have a say in what happens to their health and environment, and we're looking forward to making sure that their voices are heard."

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

More Patch Coverage: North Shore Officials, Peabody Light Spar Over Proposed Gas Plant