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FitzPatrick transfer nears completion

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Central New York lawmakers and leaders are applauding the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval of the sale of the FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant as the final step needed to ensure its continued operation, but there's still some work to be done.

Exelon spokesperson Jill Lyon says her company is now discussing the remaining transition items to finalize their purchase of FitzPatrick with the Oswego County plant's current owner Entergy.

"Any final details of a business transaction would be part of the things that are being worked through as well as preparing to integrate the James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant into the Exelon generation fleet," Lyon said. 

Simultaneously, the state Public Service Commission is hammering out the final specifics of its nuclear subsidy program. Starting next month, nuclear plants like FitzPatrick will get paid by the state for the energy they produce, subsidized by an estimated $2 monthly increase on consumer's energy bills.

The program is supposed to help make financially struggling nuclear plants like FitzPatrick profitable for at least the next 13 years as the state attempts to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent. But even now the future for these plants is not secured. The nuclear subsidy program is currently facing several lawsuits and possibly a challenge from the New York state legislature.  

Payne Horning is a reporter and producer, primarily focusing on the city of Oswego and Oswego County. He has a passion for covering local politics and how it impacts the lives of everyday citizens. Originally from Iowa, Horning moved to Muncie, Indiana to study journalism, telecommunications and political science at Ball State University. While there, he worked as a reporter and substitute host at Indiana Public Radio. He also covered the 2015 session of the Indiana General Assembly for the statewide Indiana Public Broadcasting network.