Entergy 2006 Annual Report Download - page 21

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19
by operating safe, secure and
vital resources in a way that maximizes the
inherent asset value and enhances the opportunity to grow this
business, all in an environment that does not pose a threat to future generations.
n the pursuit of sustainable growth, goals often
appear to be at odds: affordable power or clean
air but not both. To sustain growth, however,
solutions must be found that drive progress toward
multiple goals simultaneously. At Entergy, we firmly
believe that safe, affordable and emission-free nuclear
generation is vital to sustainable growth.
We are currently the second-largest nuclear
operator in the United States. We own and operate
10 plants in the Northeast and South and operate
another in the Midwest under a service agreement.
In 2006, we reached an agreement to purchase the
Palisades Nuclear Plant near South Haven, Michigan,
from Consumers Energy for a net amount of $350
million. With our positive point of view on nuclear
generation, we continue to aggressively pursue
opportunities to expand our nuclear business.
Safety and Security First
In each of our nuclear plants, we work diligently
to maintain safety and security at the highest levels.
Only then do we seek to improve operating
efficiency and productivity.
Our safety performance is world-class. Six of our
nuclear plants are currently designated OSHA VPP
Star status. Our Vermont Yankee nuclear plant
received Merit designation, which is considered an
effective stepping stone to Star status.
Each of our nuclear sites meets or exceeds the
security standards set by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission. These standards are the highest of any
American industry and include site security
measures, security force and operator training,
controlled access and behavioral observation
programs. We work closely with outside security
experts to continually enhance and reinforce the
security programs at all our nuclear sites.
Operating and Management
Expertise That Makes a Difference
With strong leadership and an experienced, talented
team of engineers, technicians and operators, we
have consistently delivered industry-leading
performance in our nuclear operations. For example:
■Our fleet average capability factor was 94
percent in 2006, compared to an industry
average of 90 percent.
■Production costs in our regulated fleet remained
flat at $16.3 per MWh. We also achieved our
first uninterrupted breaker-to-breaker run at
Arkansas Nuclear One Unit 2.
■Our Northeast fleet achieved an average INPO
Index of 97.6 in 2006, up more than 30 percent
since we acquired these plants.
In 2006, we placed an additional 95 MW of
capacity into production at our Vermont Yankee
Nuclear Power Station. Approval from the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission to increase the power
output came after the most extensive engineering
review of any uprate. The review process took 29
months and resulted in a unanimous approval
recommendation. Through 2006, we have added
512 MW of nuclear capacity through uprates and
ENTERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 2
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