REPORT: New York Nuclear Plants Save Ratepayers $50 Billion in Energy Costs Through 2050
Report Finds Existing Nuclear Fleet Essential for Energy Affordability, Preventing Electricity Price Hikes and Reducing Reliance on Fossil Fuels
Continuing to Operate the Nuclear Plants Results in $38 Billion for the State Economy, more than 14,000 Jobs Supported
September 4, 2025— A new analysis from The Brattle Group, commissioned by the Carbon Free NY Coalition, highlights the critical role New York’s upstate nuclear plants play in keeping energy costs stable for families and businesses, driving economic growth, and advancing clean energy goals. The report finds that the plants result in $50 billion in savings for New York ratepayers through 2050.
The report also found that continued operation of the nuclear fleet would:
Contribute $38 billion to the state’s economy.
Support 14,400 good-paying jobs across New York (including 2,020 direct plant jobs and an average of 12,380 additional jobs annually from 2029–2049).
Preserve $10 billion in tax revenues ($4 billion state, $6 billion federal).
The report focuses on the three nuclear plants along Lake Ontario—Nine Mile Point, James A. FitzPatrick, and R.E. Ginna—which together supply 24/7, carbon-free electricity to millions of New Yorkers. The plants provide nearly half of the state’s carbon-free electricity, making them essential to meeting New York’s clean energy and emissions reduction goals. These facilities also anchor local economies through tax revenue, charitable investment, and long-term employment.
In 2024 alone, New York’s nuclear plants avoided 16.4 million tons of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to 20% of statewide transportation emissions or taking 3.5 million gas-powered cars off the road for a year. The report supports a recent New York Department of Public Service recommendation to extend the Zero-Emissions Credit (ZEC) program. The impacts included in the report do not account for any policy support, environmental attribute payments or other mechanisms.
Without these plants, replacing their 27.5 terawatt-hours of annual emissions-free generation would require increased reliance on fossil fuels in the near term and massive new clean energy development at unprecedented rates. That shift would make meeting the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) targets far more difficult to achieve.
“Keeping the upstate nuclear plants operating until mid-century will contribute substantially to New York’s clean energy goals and keep costs lower for ratepayers. It will also support the New York economy, contributing substantially to GDP and jobs – particularly in the upstate region,” said Dean Murphy, the lead author of the report and a principal of The Brattle Group.
“The Brattle Group’s analysis clearly shows that the clean firm energy provided by New York’s upstate nuclear plants is indispensable — continued operation of these plants not only keeps energy affordable for New Yorkers, it also ensures the state can meet its clean energy goals with reliable, firm power,” said Kasparas Spokas, Director, Electricity Program at Clean Air Task Force.
“Our members are ready to meet New York’s clean energy challenges head-on, and nuclear is a central part of that effort. This report is proof that extending the ZEC program to support these plants sustains thousands of skilled trades jobs while ensuring reliable, affordable energy. That’s exactly the kind of balanced approach New York needs to compete and succeed,” said Greg Lancette, President, Central & Northern New York Building and Construction Trades.
“New York’s nuclear plants supply nearly half of the state’s clean electricity and are essential to meeting our climate commitments. Extending the Zero-Emission Credit program will help ensure these plants stay online and continue to benefit our environment, our health, and our future,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.
“Clean, affordable energy is fundamental to business growth in Upstate New York. This report makes clear that our nuclear plants not only keep power costs stable for families and employers, but they also inject billions into the economy and preserve a reliable zero-emissions energy foundation that businesses need to expand and compete. That’s why extending the ZEC program is so important to keep these benefits flowing,” said Ben Sio, Acting President and CEO, CenterState CEO.
“Across New York, nuclear plants are powered by thousands of union members whose skill and dedication keep our infrastructure running. These are good, family-sustaining union jobs that can’t be outsourced. Continuing the ZEC program ensures those jobs stay in New York and that nuclear remains part of a smart economic policy for New Yorkers,” said Vinny Albanese, Executive Director, New York State Laborers’ Political Action Fund.
“High energy costs are one of the biggest barriers to doing business in New York. This study shows that keeping our nuclear plants online through the ZEC program is saving ratepayers tens of billions of dollars while cutting emissions. For employers and employees alike, nuclear power is a win-win — lower costs, cleaner air, and stronger economic growth,” said Paul Zuber, the Business Council of New York State.
“Nuclear energy isn’t just a bridge to the future—it’s the foundation of our clean energy economy. As we work toward a carbon-free grid, this new report confirms what we’ve long known: New York’s nuclear plants deliver big for working families, local communities, and our climate,” said Mason Emnett, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Constellation.
“All pathways to reach an affordable, reliable, carbon-free future must include nuclear,” said Gregory R. Peterson, ABM, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 5.
“Per watt-hour, the most cost-effective means of securing reliable, carbon-free energy is through the continued operation of existing nuclear power plants. Moreover, today’s upstate plants lay the foundation for the advanced reactors of tomorrow. New York’s ZEC program is an investment in the future,” said Keith Schue, Spokesperson, New York Energy & Climate Advocates.
“The economic growth and stability of New York requires affordable and reliable sources of energy. That is why it is essential that business leaders, community leaders and elected officials continue to push the benefits of all sources of energy including new nuclear. This report provides clear data highlighting tax revenue and job creation/retention investing in nuclear will bring to our state. We must continue to invest in new energy generation and transmission to support economic development,” said Ryan M. Silva, Executive Director, New York State Economic Development Council.
“The Brattle Group's comprehensive analysis confirms what we've long advocated: New York's nuclear fleet is an irreplaceable asset for the state's clean energy transition and economic health. The analysis corroborates International Monetary Fund’s finding that nuclear technology has the largest economic multiplier effect of any energy source. Extending the Zero-Emission Credit program is the most cost-effective investment New Yorkers can make towards climate action, grid reliability, and economic prosperity,” said Isuru Seneviratne, Executive Board, Nuclear New York.
“For communities across Upstate New York, these plants are more than power generators, they’re economic engines. They provide stable jobs, critical tax revenues for schools and local governments, and the kind of long-term investment that keeps communities strong. That’s why extending the ZEC program is indispensable to preserving our nuclear fleet and protecting our communities and businesses across the state,” said Austin Wheelock, Upstate Energy Jobs Coalition.
“Oswego County has hosted nuclear power generators for over 50 years. The new Brattle report verifies what we’ve known for decades: that nuclear energy is a significant and irreplaceable part of the region’s and state’s economy. Oswego County supports the renewal of the ZEC program in order to ensure New York’s clean energy future and maintain this safe, reliable, carbon-free and economically vital source of electric power,” said Philip Church, Administrator, Oswego County.
“Wayne County is proud to host the R.E. Ginna Clean Energy Center—one of the longest-operating nuclear facilities in the country. As a county with deep experience in supporting clean, reliable energy, we know how critical this carbon-free power is for regional growth and grid stability. For our predominantly agricultural community, nuclear energy offers a climate solution that protects both our environment and our farmland. We strongly support the extension of the Zero-Emission Credit program,” said Dr. Mark Humbert, Interim County Administrator, Wayne County Board of Supervisors.
To read the report, visit: https://www.carbonfreeny.com/nuclear-fleet.
About Carbon Free NY
Carbon Free NY is a coalition of labor, business, environmental, and community leaders working together to ensure New York meets its clean energy and climate goals—while protecting workers, strengthening the economy, and keeping energy affordable. Learn more at www.carbonfreeny.com.