Entergy: Fitzpatrick Shutting Down Years Before Pilgrim (end of 2016)

Entergy to close FitzPatrick nuclear plant in Oswego County

SCRIBA, N.Y. – Entergy Corp. plans to shut down its money-losing FitzPatrick nuclear power plant in Oswego County after the reactor runs out of fuel next year.

Entergy officials called a meeting of employees today to announce that the company will not install more enriched uranium fuel rods next September, which would be required to continue operating the facility beyond the end of 2016.

Barring some unexpected intervention by state officials, the 850-megawatt facility will shut down in late 2016 and begin laying off its 615 employees.  

Oswego County officials have been dreading the loss of FitzPatrick's $74 million annual payroll and its $17.3 million in yearly property tax payments. All told, FitzPatrick's operation is thought to support $500 million or more in local economic activity.

We recognize the consequences of the shutdown for our employees and the surrounding community and pledge to do our best to support both during this transition.'' said Leo Denault, CEO of Entergy, in a prepared statement. "As a company, we
are committed to ensuring the well-being of our employees, and appreciate their continued dedication to making safe, clean, secure and reliable operations a top priority,"

New York energy officials will review the impact of FitzPatrick's loss on the regional power grid. If they decide the shutdown should be delayed, they could order utility ratepayers to subsidize the plant temporarily, but only until replacement power sources are found.

Members of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration have been in private discussions with Entergy for months, apparently seeking a compromise that would keep FitzPatrick open. Many observers suspect the talks centered around Entergy's profitable Indian Point nuclear plant in Westchester County. Cuomo has fought Entergy's application for a 20-year extension of Indian Point's operating license.

Entergy has previously announced the closings of two New England nuclear plants that lose money, and FitzPatrick fits the same mold.