Nuclear power has been a constant, with the nearest plant to NYC, Entergy Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, working nearly around the clock this summer to provide power needed to keep the lights, and the air conditioners, on in New York City and its suburbs. Without Indian Point to meet demand, experts say, New York would have to rely on dirtier and more expensive sources of power, such as the dual-fired plants flipped on to meet so-called superpeaks and natural gas, which in NY State can be pricey because of distribution bottlenecks. And that is why experts are scratching their heads about critics calls to shutter Indian Point. Demand for electricity is steadily increasing. To talk about closing any power plant, especially a nuclear facility, defies logic, per the New York Affordable Reliable Electricity Alliance.
During heat waves, the need for electric devices such as air conditioners places considerable more demand on the state electricity system. The highest ever peak demand was recorded July 19, 2013, when usage reached 33,955 megawatts (MWs), enough energy to power nearly 34 million average-sized houses. On August 11 of this year, New York came close to topping that record, reaching 2016s peak demand. At 4:51 pm that day, Con Edison reported a staggering 32,076 MWs usage. During the surge, Indian Point generators were operating at 100%. It was just one of several 30,000 MWs or greater superpeaks reported this summer. And during each one, nuclear energy played a critical role. On the peak days in the summer, when the conditions are most stressed, nuclear reliability ensures people are able to run their air conditioners and stay safe in the most extreme conditions, per the Nuclear Energy Institute. But nuclear and natural gas are the two sources that provide what experts call baseload power are not enough.other energy sources are brought online.To keep the grid supplying enough energy during system surges, other energy sources are needed. Read on ..
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