We appreciate Charles Schumer's concern for our region and the city of Dunkirk, but we do believe our U.S. senator jumped the gun by telling NRG Energy Inc. to "continue their legacy of being good corporate citizens by continuing the payment."
Schumer's remarks, made at the city pier, are in reference to a potential "mothballing" of the Dunkirk power plant by the company, which employs 145 people. The company has a payment in lieu of taxes agreement that totals more than $16 million due in 2013 and 2014.
For its part, NRG has not wavered from its agreement and has consistently paid its fair share in the PILOT agreement it reached with the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency. County Executive Greg Edwards said as much during the conference.
David Gaier, spokesman for NRG's Northeast Region, said the company was not pleased with the speculation. "We wouldn't be skipping out on any payment under any circumstances. ... NRG has and always will make the payments under the agreement."
Enough said.
