Group proposes alternative to power plant

The political action committee will propose a plan that is “cleaner and cheaper than CU's proposed plant” but also meets the energy needs of Springfield for the next several years.

CU staff last week made a recommendation to the utility's board to approve Southwest 2, a coal-fired plant that would cost about $697 million to build. A second option would involve purchasing power from an outside source, something CU officials say would cost more and be less reliable. The board is expected to vote on its options Feb. 23.

Also at today's press conference, Citizens for Affordable Energy will announce a schedule for a series of public presentations and forums related to Springfield's energy needs.

More information will be posted to sbj.net as this story develops.