Decision on Oxford Power Plant Required by May

The Republican-American’s Jordan Otero has some new details about the proposed power plant on the Oxford-Middlebury town line.

Otero reports that the Connecticut Siting Council must decide by May on whether to approve CPV Towantic Energy Center’s proposal. Additionally, at least five hearings are planned.

The project has garnered strong interest in Oxford, Middlebury and Naugatuck.

The first hearing is scheduled for January 15. A site review will occur at 1:30 p.m. followed by a public forum at 3 p.m. at Oxford High School.

The Siting Council agreed last month to hear CPV Towantic Energy Center’s proposal. The operators of the power plant already have approval to construct a 512-megawatt plant on 26 acres of land.

Now they are seeking approval for an 805-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant on 32 acres.

A rally was recent held by residents who oppose the power plant.

Concerned residents led by Naugatuck’s Chester Cornacchia told the Citizen New’s Luke Marshall that the bigger plant will lead to more pollution for Naugatuck and environmental concerns.

Supporters of the power plant say Oxford’s taxes will go down and it will provide enough power for 750,000 houses, which could lead to savings for taxpayers.