Report: More Blackouts If Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant Is Shuttered

BUCHANAN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) - The operators of New York's electric grid are warning that closing the two Indian Point nuclear power reactors in Westchester County could result in blackouts.

A draft report issued by the New York Independent System Operator said closing Indian Point would degrade New York's electric grid.

The final report will be released this fall.

Entergy Nuclear, which owns Indian Point, has applied for new 20-year licenses for both reactors.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo opposes the new licenses. He says it is unsafe to have a nuclear plant in such a densely populated area.

More than 17 million people live within 50 miles of Indian Point.

Entergy spokesman Jim Steets said Monday that the NYISO report shows that Indian Point is necessary for New York.

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