Entergy plans to close FitzPatrick nuclear plant in central New York

Entergy Corp. announced on Monday that the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant in Scriba, New York, will shut down sometime between late 2016 and early 2017.

The company has reported to the New York Independent System Operator and the New York State Public Service Commission that the plant will cease operations once this fuel cycle has concluded. The company also said that state officials and representatives from Entergy tried to reach an agreement that would prevent the shutdown, but they were unsuccessful.

Low natural gas prices and deteriorating economic climates were cited as primary drivers for the closure of the plant.

"Given the financial challenges our merchant power plants face from sustained wholesale power price declines and other unfavorable market conditions, we have been assessing each asset," Leo Denault, Entergy chairman and CEO, said. "As part of this review, we previously announced the closure of the Pilgrim Nuclear Generating Station in Massachusetts and have now decided that despite good operational performance, market conditions require us to also close the FitzPatrick nuclear plant.”

Following the closure of the FitzPatrick facility, the Indian Point Energy Center will be the sole facility in the state producing energy.

The FitzPatrick site currently employs approximately 600 employees. Denault states that Entergy will offer support for the surrounding community and staff of the facility during closing operation period.