Nuclear Power Will Keep Us Warm This Winter

As temperatures drop and New Yorkers pull their parkas out of storage, energy demand rises across the state. Fortunately, a new report from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) found the state’s power grid is adequately supplied to handle greater electricity use this winter.

The state’s energy demand is satisfied by a variety of sources, but only New York’s nuclear plants can provide enough clean, reliable, affordable energy. NYISO predicts peak energy demand will reach 26,100 megawatts (MW) this winter, and nuclear power alone reached peak winter outputs of 25,738 MW in 2014, per a report by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI).

Not only is nuclear the most reliable generation in New York’s power portfolio, it’s also the only energy source that can provide virtually carbon-free energy on an industrial scale. Indian Point Energy Center, one of several nuclear plants across the state, prevents the release of 8.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is equivalent to keeping 1.6 million cars off the road.

This winter’s uptick in energy demand doesn’t mean New Yorkers have to suffer brownouts or put up with even more air pollution, and we have our state’s clean nuclear power fleet to thank.

Read more: Everyday ways to save electricity this winter

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Rob DiFrancesco is the director of the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance (New York AREA), a diverse organization of more than 150 business, labor, and community groups including Entergy, the owner-operator of Indian Point. Founded in 2003, New York AREA’s mission is to ensure that New York has an ample and reliable electricity supply, and economic prosperity for years to come.

For more information visit www.area-alliance.org