Some utility analysts said a possible sale or early closing made sense.

The Public Service action is likely to have only a slight effect on the nuclear power industry, according to two utility analysts.

Some of these properties will probably remain as power plants, utility analysts say, securing the future of that land.

Should that occur, utility analysts said, rates for remaining customers would have to rise again, as fixed costs were spread over smaller sales.

China also achieved a 14 percent increase in electrical output last year, nearly twice the increase that utility analysts had thought possible.

The utility industry is one of its specialties, and the company employs 20 utility analysts.

Indeed, utility analysts seem to understand the company's indifference to keeping lots of cash on hand, given the predictable nature of its business.

The complaints came not only from Democrats, but from utility analysts who said it was difficult to assess the proposals without more precise information.

Mr. Hiney also disputed recent assertions by some utility analysts that the power may not be needed.

"It does make a lot of sense," said one utility analyst for a major Wall Street firm, commenting on the condition that he not be identified.