“Average prices for power generation have fallen in recent years as a result of decreasing demand and currently low, but inherently volatile natural gas prices,” the order says. “Operators of some nuclear power facilities elsewhere in the country have chosen to retire such facilities because of the resulting competitive pressure and environmental concerns.”

The study is nice, but Dominion says it wants action.

“We think we’re a great fit for a long-term contract,” said Kevin Hennessy, Dominion’s New England policy director. “We also think it’s a great deal for customers to lock in the lowest-cost carbon-free resource there is. ... We’re not immune from these pressures that these other plants are feeling. This is a great way for Connecticut and Dominion to head this off to the benefit of ratepayers here.”

Stoddard, Dominion’s chief nuclear officer, said the company is pursuing 20-year license extensions, and the significant costs that come with them, for its units at North Anna and Surry. The same option exists for Millstone, though he said it depends whether the company pursues it.

“For us to make that kind of investment, we would need to know that the plant is viable for the long term. It just doesn’t make sense to make that investment until you get that certainty,” he said. “Nuclear is the only large, always-on source of emissions-free energy that exists today. Bottom line is if you’re serious about reducing carbon, you have to be serious about nuclear and supporting nuclear.”

rzullo@timesdispatch.com (804) 649-6453 Twitter: @rczullo Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.