These coal-fired generators now can be used in conjunction with our other units at this site, fueled by oil and natural gas, to help meet the heavy electricity demand this winter.

It's hard to make a convincing case that we're reaching peak oil production. It's really a technology issue. The question is how quickly is technology going to advance and will it advance as quickly as demand.

I am extremely skeptical that we're looking at a peak oil perspective. We have tar sands, oil shale, advances in deep drilling. There's a lot out there,

I don't expect the market to do a whole lot. With oil above $31 (a barrel) even after OPEC agreeing (to raise production), it does tell you that the inflation bell is ringing, so I do think you need to be concerned about that.

The economics of our recent national situation, with oil and natural gas prices — that's the big part of it. We're very proud of what people have done (in Viroqua). We feel it's very unfortunate this decision had to be made. We wish we didn't have to do this, but we have to stay in a position where we can be a leader and compete in the industry.

Despite the strong domestic demand, high oil prices and rising food prices, inflation remains relatively benign at both producer and consumer levels.