New Yorkers may pay billions to keep the state’s aging nuclear plants in business

New York electricity customers could pay up to $33 billion over 20 years to keep four aging nuclear power plants operational in Oswego and Wayne counties, according to a plan under review by state regulators.

The Public Service Commission is looking to persuade Constellation Energy Corp. to continue operating its four Upstate nuclear reactors for decades to come. Year after year, the plants reliably produce one-fifth of the state’s electricity without emitting greenhouse gases – a key consideration for state officials.