Shutting an existing plant without having an alternative in sight is just plain stupid even if it was coal powered power plant. Higher energy prices and lack of energy also kills people and damages environment. Do you really want people to run diesel generators in their backyard when power goes off ? Do you really prefer people to buy gas powered gadgets or cars because they don't trust electric grid ? In the absence of reliably grid electricity, people might opt for alternatives that are much more damaging.

My local solar company advertises itself as "alternative to unreliable PG&E", it is expensive and not many can afford it but I can see why some people might spend their healthcare or education budget on buying those expensive solar panels.