Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

- Edited By Tom Lamar -

In 1985, music television station VH1 debuted and the Internet's domain name system was introduced. On Sept. 24 of that same year, Entergy also made history with the opening of Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station, marking a new era of safe, reliable, affordable and virtually emission-free electricity production for the people of Louisiana.

The 1,152-megawatt pressurized water reactor plant located near Killona, La. in St. Charles Parish has one of the lowest costs per unit of electricity produced in the Entergy system, and has saved customers hundreds of millions of dollars in fuel costs during its operating life.

"Power from Waterford 3 plays a crucial role filling Louisiana's energy needs with safe, reliable and reasonably priced electricity," said Bill Mohl, president and chief executive officer of Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. "As a major industrial site, Waterford 3 also serves as an economic driver for the state. The plant contributes significant tax dollars, helps stabilize utility costs and attracts other industries."

Waterford 3 provides approximately 650 jobs in the community and pays $26 million in taxes each year. The plant is known worldwide for its commitment to safe operations, industry-leading performance records and a legacy of community leadership.

"For 25 years, the employees of Waterford 3 have carried through on a promise to operate our plant in a safe and responsible manner," said Joe Kowalewski, vice president of operations at Waterford 3. "We greatly value the trust of the public and our place in the community."

The economical electricity from Waterford 3 also contributes to Entergy's position as one of the cleanest electric utilities in the country. Entergy's plants produce significantly lower amounts of carbon, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide than the national average for utilities, while offering customers electricity at a cost below the national average.

"We're responsible for making sure there is enough electricity for everyone not just today - but tomorrow as well," Mohl said. "The reliable, clean and affordable electricity from Waterford 3 is an important part of our energy mix as we implement plans to meet the future needs of our customers."

Waterford 3 also is committed to improving the community. Recent local contributions include an environmental-education initiative with area schoolchildren and helping secure a new fire engine for St. Charles Parish. Activities such as these provide a way the plant can give back to the community.

"Support from the state and community, paired with Entergy's high standards of excellence, have kept Waterford 3 operating safely and successfully for 25 years," Kowalewski said. "Those are the same qualities that will continue fueling Waterford 3 well into the future."

Entergy's Louisiana utility companies serve more than one million customers through the operating companies Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C. With operations in southern, central and northeastern Louisiana, the companies are part of Entergy Corporation's electric system serving 2.7 million customers in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.