Dayton Power & Light CEO: Ratepayer-Backed PPAs "Key Component" in Maintaining "Reliable" Ohio Generation

Dayton Power & Light CEO Derek Porter has filed a letter with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio arguing that ratepayer-backed power purchase agreements, such as those proposed by the FirstEnergy utilities, are a, "key component to allowing reliable coal generation to continue operating and meeting the objectives of long-term reliability and stable prices."

Porter noted that while DP&L has no PPA proposal pending before PUCO at this time, "the company does share the concerns expressed about the future of Ohio's energy market."

"Dayton Power and Light is supportive of mechanisms that provide our customers long-term reliability and stable prices. As the Commission already understands, there are several concepts that can address these principles, such as changes to the capacity market. However, capacity market changes alone will be insufficient to prevent retirements of coal facilities. DP&L supports ongoing discussions regarding a Power Purchase Agreement {PPA) concept and believes a PPA concept is a key component to allowing reliable coal generation to continue operating and meeting the objectives of long-term reliability and stable prices," Porter said.

"Given the challenges to the electric system, as evidenced during the polar vortex and the environmental mandates on coal units, DP&L believes now is the time to plan for Ohio's long-term electric reliability and availability," Porter said.