Negotiators Aim for Sale to Keep FitzPatrick Nuclear Plant Open

SCRIBA, N.Y. (AP) — Operators of the Nine Mile Point nuclear power plant are in talks to buy and maintain a nearby reactor on Lake Ontario scheduled to be shut down in January.

Exelon says Wednesday that any purchase of FitzPatrick would be contingent on the state adopting a subsidy plan for nuclear reactors that compensates them for their clean emissions. Exelon also would demand a guaranteed long-term revenue stream and a positive impact on earnings.

Entergy Corp. announced in November plans to close the 41-year-old plant due to low natural gas prices, high operational costs and a "flawed" energy market. The New Orleans-based company confirmed that talks are ongoing.

The plant employs more than 600 people.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he's "hopeful" an agreement can be reached.

Chicago-based Exelon also operates the Ginna plant near Rochester.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]