A spokesman for the Lignite Energy Council says consumers will definitely feel the impact – if the attempts by the Obama administration and the EPA to shut down coal-fired power in favor of renewables are successful.
Steve Van Dyke says coal has been a reliable source for inexpensive power generation. He says the current administration is promoting the use of more expensive and less reliable renewable fuels.
"The initial thoughts are, it could be a 30 percent increase in the cost of electricity," said Van Dyke. "And I think most people, especially people on fixed incomes or are working jobs that are not paying what a Senator or President makes, might find that to be pretty abusive."
Van Dyke says the industry’s challenge is to get that message to consumers – and to lawmakers.
"We live in what's been called the Saudi Arabia of wind," said Van Dyke. "Still, wind produces electricity about 40 percent of the time. Coal is a baseload fuel for electricity."
The Lignite Energy Council held its annual meeting in Bismarck.