Eric Epstein to Speak on Electric Rates and Nuclear Power at CMU on March 5

• 12:00-1:30 pm. The Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center will host a seminar in Baker Hall, Room 129. Eric Epstein will give a talk about his experience with the state electricity regulatory process. The seminar will be attended by 15-25 Ph.D. students and faculty, many of whom do research on technical, economic, and policy aspects of energy systems. “Appetite for Consumption: The Rise and Fall of the Pennsylvania Ratepayer.” Abstract: Since the deregulation of the electric industry in Pennsylvania began with a law in 1996, the processes and agencies charged to encourage, solicit, and facilitate public participation have failed to connect or create viable and sustainable platforms. With rates set to spike, a dramatic rise in the number of delinquent customers, and the number of customers losing power at record levels, can we afford to lock out public participation? Bio: Mr. Epstein is the coordinator of the EFMR Monitoring, Inc. (efmr.org) is a nonpartisan community based organization established in 1992. EFMR monitors radiation levels at Peach Bottom and Three Mile Island nuclear generating stations, invests in community development, and sponsors remote robotics research. The group has also intervened at the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to protect the economic interests of Pennsylvania rate payers. • 3:00-4:50 pm. Nuclear Power and Communities meets in Scaife Hall, Room 222. This will be an informal opportunity for students to learn about the history of citizen-group involvement in nuclear power issues. The class consists of 30 undergrad students, about 20 of whom are in engineering and 10 of whom are in the social sciences. “How Democracy Failed Nuclear Power at Three Mile Island.” Abstract: Rather than garner public support after the core meltdown at TMI, the industry and Nuclear Regulatory Commission ignored public input, political opposition, and their own expert testimony. Post-Accident, among the most damaging and lingering impacts are public distrust and suspicion of the government and nuclear industry. Bio: Mr. Epstein is the Chairman of Three Mile Island Alert, Inc., (tmia.com), a safe-energy organization based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and founded in 1977. TMIA monitors Peach Bottom, Susquehanna, and Three Mile Island nuclear generating stations.