Write a commentNow through October 17th, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is accepting public comments regarding the sale of FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant to Exelon Corp.
The NRC will also accept public requests to hold a hearing regarding the proposed sale. Hearing requests must be filed by October 5th. To meet the specific legal guidelines for requesting an NRC hearing, please refer to the Federal Register notice.
Approval must come from the NRC to transfer FitzPatrick's operating license from Entergy to Exelon. This is one step in the regulatory approval process for Exelon to purchase FitzPatrick.
Exelon seeks to purchase FitzPatrick from Entergy for $110 million. Exelon has asked the NRC to approve the deal by March 1, 2017 and hopes to close on the facility on April 1, 2017.
Benefits of the FitzPatrick Nuclear Plant
Jobs, Economy and Environment
• Over 600 direct jobs.
• Opportunities for 1,000 building tradesmen and skilled workers who are involved in refueling, maintenance and plant outages.
• $500 million per year in regional economic activity.
• Over $70 million in annual payroll.
• Over $17 million in annual property taxes.
• Enough carbon-free electricity to power more than 800,000 homes.
• Avoidance of over 3 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, which represents about 10% of the carbon savings for all of New York.
• 850 megawatt nuclear plant that provides reliable energy 24/7 and is a significant base load and dependable source needed for economic development progress and stability.
If the sale falls through, Entergy will close FitzPatrick in January 2017 and NYS will lose all of these benefits.
Benefits of All Upstate Nuclear Plants
Jobs and Economy
• Upstate New York’s three nuclear energy plants support 25,000 jobs.
• Upstate nuclear energy contributes over $3 billion to New York’s economy and contributes $144 million in annual state and local taxes.
• Upstate nuclear plants keep energy costs low. Without them, consumers would pay $1.7 billion more annually in energy costs.
Environmental
• New York’s upstate nuclear plants avoid 16 million tons of carbon emissions annually, which equates to a societal value of approximately $700 million annually based on federal limits.
• The Public Service Commission’s cost study underscores that upstate nuclear is a cost-effective vehicle for carbon-free, reliable energy and will significantly contribute to New York’s clean energy goals.
• The Brattle Group analysis shows that a majority (75%) of carbon emissions avoided by the early years of the CES are attributable to upstate nuclear.
Reliable Energy
• Upstate nuclear energy provides approximately 15 percent of New York’s energy supply.
• Nuclear plants are by far New York’s most reliable source of energy, providing power 24/7 through all weather conditions and at a high rate of efficiency.
• The stable cost of nuclear energy protects consumers’ against price volatility in the energy market place.
Submitting Comments
All comments to the NRC should reference "Docket ID NRC-2016-0195." Comments may be submitted via:
Web: Search for the above docket at regulations.gov.
Email: Send comments to hearingdocket@nrc.gov. If you do not receive an automatic reply confirming receipt, contact NRC staff at 301-415-1677.
Fax: Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 301-415-1677
Mail: Secretary, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555-0001 ATTN: Rulemakings and Adjudications Staff.
