Debunking the Indian Point Energy Myth
April 4, 2011
Riverkeeper Team
(Downloadable Energy Fact Sheet)
Misleading Entergy propaganda continually touts that the alleged “clean” and “cheap” energy generated by Indian Point is “vital” to the region.
The truth is, we do NOT need Indian Point’s electricity! Here are the real facts:
- If Indian Point Shuts Down For Good Tomorrow, the Lights Will Stay On: Contrary to what Indian Point is telling you, the plant only makes up about 12.5% of the available power capacity for the downstate New York region. In fact, New York City is required by law to produce 80% of its power within the 5 boroughs. Also, New York State requires a 15-20% reserve “cushion” of available electricity, so the reality is that in the short-term, there would be no power disruption to the region if Indian Point closed. For example, in 2000, Indian Point Unit 2 was shut down for nearly 1 year following a steam generator tube rupture, and in 2003, during a hot summer stretch, Units 2 and 3 simultaneously went down unexpectedly, and throughout both events, there was no noticeable impact to the power grid.
- Conservation Alone Can Replace Indian Point: Aggressive conservation measures can reduce energy consumption by 10-14% within one year. When Californians were faced with an electricity crisis in 2000/2001, immediate conservation efforts eliminated 10% of peak hour electricity usage on hot summer days, and 14% during the month when the power network was most strained, averting a single brownout or blackout. A 2002 report indicates that this model can be replicated in the NYC region if necessary. (see below for tips on what you can do right now to start conserving energy!)
- There Are Other Alternatives: In 2006, the National Academy of Sciences concluded that there are “no insurmountable technical barriers to the replacement of Indian Point.” A sustainable energy future without this nuclear plant is possible. Riverkeeper continues to call upon Governor Cuomo to immediately develop and implement a State energy plan that does not include Indian Point. In fact, a wide portfolio of measures is available to meet the short, medium, and long term energy needs of the downstate New York region in the absence of Indian Point: - Implementing energy efficiency and conservation measures - Promoting clean on-site distributed generation - Promoting greater incentives for renewable energy projects - Re-powering fossil-fueled generating facilities - Relying on capacity from new generation coming on line in the next few years (for example, the 700 MW cross-Hudson cable project) - Building a combined cycle natural gas facility at the Indian Point site - Importing power from existing sources in neighboring power grids - Improving grid transmission by retrofitting existing lines, and installing new lines
- Indian Point’s electricity is not “clean”: The owner of Indian Point, Entergy, constantly boasts that nuclear is a clean energy source. This is misleading, since the life cycle of generating nuclear power, from uranium mining and refining to transportation and storage requires an enormous amount of energy and undoubtedly produces greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Further, nuclear plants produce highly toxic and radioactive nuclear waste that lingers at reactor sites for decades; at Indian Point, this waste is already contaminating the environment. Also, at an aging, unsafe plant such as Indian Point, the risk of a nuclear accident is palpable, and this would result in untold radiological impacts to the millions of people living within 50 miles of the plant. Clearly, Indian Point is neither clean nor green.
- Electric Bills Would Not Skyrocket: Entergy estimates a modest increase of only 5-8% in annual retail energy bills if the plant closed. This would amount to about $65 a year, and doesn’t even take into account the moderating effect on prices of energy conservation, which could eliminate any impacts on energy bills
Indian Point is not necessary, and not worth the risk. We Can Replace the Power, We Can’t Replace the Lives.
- What You Can Do to Conserve Energy A multitude of ways to reduce your energy consumption are available right now. Even small changes can bring huge payoffs – environmentally and economically! Here are some suggestions: For more information on efficiency tips, visit: http://www.getenergysmart.org/default.aspx
- Insulate your walls and ceilings; this can save about 25% on home heating bills
- As you replace home appliances, select the most energy-efficient models
- Replace all incandescent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescents and Energy Star rated LED bulbs
- Turn down your water heater thermostat; 120° is usually hot enough
- Plant trees next to your south facing windows to block the sun from warming your house in the summer
- Don’t overheat or overcool rooms – adjust your thermostat slightly lower in winter, higher in summer
- Clean or replace air filters and vents as recommended; cleaning an AC filter can save 5% of the energy used
- Request an energy audit from NYSERDA to identify how you can use energy more efficiently and save money
- Install low-flow shower heads to put less strain on your water heater
- Only run the dishwasher with a full load and use energy-saving settings to dry the dishes
- Switch from a conventional electrical supplier to a renewable energy supplier
- Unplug energy vampires when not needed; like chargers, which continue to draw energy when not in use
- Insulate your hot water heater to prevent heat loss
- Install a smart-metering device to monitor your energy use to know when to run energy-intensive appliances and reduce strain on the grid
- Wash clothes in cold or warm water, not hot
Related campaigns
Beyond Indian Point
Monitoring the shutdown of a nuclear power plant on the banks of the Hudson that killed billions of fish each year
Renewable energy transition
Working toward a sustainable future while protecting the Hudson River and its communities