Entergy Nuclear Plants Continue Safe Operations at Full Power Following Irene

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Aug 28, 2011, 06:13 ET

NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the brunt of Tropical Storm Irene now past the eastern seaboard, Entergy's Indian Point Energy Center in New York, Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Massachusetts and Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant in Vermont all remain operating safely and at full power.

"Entergy's nuclear generating plants continue to operate safely while supplying electricity to the region's customers," said John Herron, president and CEO of Entergy Nuclear.

Entergy Nuclear plants began preparations for the storm early in the week, coordinating activities with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, independent system operators and various government officials.

While Irene pummeled the eastern coast, critical Entergy Nuclear staff remained dedicated at each site, ready to respond to potential weather impacts.

"Nuclear plants are built to exceed the most severe natural forces historically reported for their geographic area," Herron said. "But primarily, our ability to serve our regions comes through the power of our people, including those who have remained apart from their families to ensure a safe supply of power for others."

In addition to the nuclear plant staff sequestered at Indian Point, Pilgrim and Vermont Yankee, the company's utilities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas staged roughly 170 workers and 92 resident utility contractors in the Maryland area to help restore power to the regional grid.

Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and approximately 15,000 employees.

Entergy's online address is www.entergy.com

Twitter: @EntergyMedia

SOURCE Entergy Corporation