Watch CBS News

Owner: Three Mile Island Power Plant To Close In 2 Years

HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA/AP) - The owner of Three Mile Island, site of the United States' worst commercial nuclear power accident, says it will shut down the plant in 2019 without a financial rescue from Pennsylvania.

Exelon Corp. said Monday's announcement comes after five years of losses on the power plant and its recent failure in an auction to sell Three Mile Island's power into the regional grid.

The Chicago-based energy company wants Pennsylvania to give nuclear power megawatts the kind of preferential treatment and premium payments that are given to renewable energies, such as wind and solar.

Nuclear power plants have been hammered by the natural gas boom that has slashed electricity prices in competitive markets.

Equipment failure and operator errors at Three Mile Island in 1979 led to partial core meltdown of a reactor. The plant's other reactor is still in use.

Exelon spokesman Dave Marcheskie warns that this could be the first of many closures.

Marcheskie blames a lack of energy policies that value nuclear power for the decision. He says Pennsylvanians will feel the impact, especially if other plants in the state close.

Marcheskie tells KDKA Radio, Nuclear power is not getting the love it used to.

Marcheskie tells KDKA Radio how many employees will be affected.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.