Vistra Receives Approval to Extend Operation of Perry Nuclear Plant Through 2046

Rhea-AI Summary

Vistra (NYSE: VST) has received Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval to extend operations at its Perry Nuclear Power Plant through 2046, adding 20 years to its original license. The 1,268-megawatt facility, which began operations in 1986, is the last of Vistra's six nuclear reactors to receive a license extension.

Perry employs 600 full-time staff and over 200 permanent contractors, with refueling outages bringing in an additional 800-1,200 technicians periodically. The plant is part of Vistra's nuclear fleet that can generate over 6,500 MW of emission-free energy, powering approximately 3.25 million homes.

Positive

• 20-year license extension secured for Perry Nuclear Plant through 2046
• All six of Vistra's nuclear reactors now have secured license extensions
• Plant provides emission-free baseload power to support grid reliability
• Significant local economic impact with 800+ permanent jobs and additional temporary workers during refueling
• 6,500 MW total nuclear fleet capacity powering 3.25 million homes

Negative

• None.

Insights

Nuclear Energy Analyst

Vistra secures 20-year extension for Perry plant, completing license renewals for all six nuclear reactors in its fleet, ensuring long-term baseload generation capacity.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval for Vistra's Perry Nuclear Power Plant extends its operational life through 2046, securing 1,268 megawatts of baseload capacity for an additional two decades. This completes Vistra's strategic effort to extend licenses across its entire nuclear fleet, with all six reactors now permitted to operate for 60 years total.

This regulatory milestone substantially enhances the company's long-term asset value. Nuclear plants typically have high fixed costs but low variable costs, meaning this extension significantly improves the plant's lifetime return on investment without requiring major new capital expenditures. The approval also comes at a critical time when grid reliability concerns are mounting amid electrification trends and intermittent renewable generation growth.

Perry's continued operation reinforces Vistra's position as the operator of the second-largest competitive fleet of nuclear plants in the U.S., with combined capacity of 6,500 MW - enough to power approximately 3.25 million homes. Beyond power generation, the extension secures approximately 800 jobs (600 full-time staff and 200 contractors) and preserves the economic stimulus from refueling outages that bring 800-1,200 additional workers periodically.

The successful completion of license extensions across Vistra's entire nuclear fleet demonstrates management's effectiveness in navigating complex regulatory processes and positions the company to capitalize on growing demand for reliable, zero-carbon baseload power as electrification accelerates across the economy.

With Perry re-license, each of Vistra's six reactors has now received license extension, ensuring continued reliable generation of emission-free electricity in key markets

IRVING, Texas, July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vistra (NYSE: VST) today announced that it has received approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend the operation of its 1,268-megawatt Perry Nuclear Power Plant through 2046, an additional 20 years beyond its original license. The plant first connected to the grid in 1986 and is currently operating under its initial 40-year license. The company submitted its application for license renewal to the NRC in 2023.

"Electricity is a basic building block of our economy, and as demand for electricity accelerates, nuclear power remains a cornerstone of a reliable, sustainable grid," said Jim Burke, president and chief executive officer of Vistra. "Extending operations at Perry ensures that Ohio continues to benefit from a resilient source of baseload power, supporting jobs, economic activity, and grid reliability across the region. With this latest approval, all six reactors in Vistra's fleet have received license extensions, reinforcing their long-term value to the communities and markets we serve."

"Our dedicated Perry team is committed to the highest standards of operational excellence, and we take great pride in delivering reliable, clean power to Ohio and the broader PJM region," said Ken Peters, chief nuclear officer of Vistra. "This 20-year license extension reflects the strength of our safety culture, the condition of the plant, and the professionalism of our workforce. I want to commend the Vistra team for their thorough preparation and successful navigation of the NRC's rigorous review process."

Perry, a single-unit facility, is the last of Vistra's six nuclear reactors to apply for and receive its license extension, through 2046, from the NRC. Now, each of Vistra's reactors is licensed to operate for a total of 60 years. Beaver Valley units 1 and 2 in Pennsylvania are licensed through 2036 and 2047, respectively; the single reactor at Davis-Besse in Ohio is licensed through 2037; and Comanche Peak units 1 and 2 in Texas are licensed to operate through 2050 and 2053, respectively.

Reliable, Clean, Emission-Free Electricity

Nuclear plants are uniquely positioned to provide both carbon-free power and always-on baseload generation. Vistra has established a leading role in a strategic, responsible energy transition and expansion, operating the nation's second-largest competitive fleet of nuclear power plants. Together, these six nuclear reactors have the capacity to generate more than 6,500 MW of emission-free energy, enough to power about 3.25 million homes.

Economic Engine for Local Economy

Locally, the extension of Perry's operating license also secures long-term economic benefits for the community around the plant. Perry employs approximately 600 full-time staff and more than 200 permanent contractors, supporting hundreds of families in the region. In addition, regularly scheduled refueling outages bring in 800 to 1,200 highly skilled technicians from across the country, generating significant economic activity for local hotels, restaurants, and service businesses. These recurring events represent an important boost to the local economy and underscore the plant's role as a vital regional employer.

About Vistra 
Vistra (NYSE: VST) is a leading Fortune 500 integrated retail electricity and power generation company based in Irving, Texas, that provides essential resources to customers, businesses, and communities from California to Maine. Vistra is a leader in transforming the energy landscape, with an unyielding focus on reliability, affordability, and sustainability. The company safely operates a reliable, efficient power generation fleet of natural gas, nuclear, coal, solar, and battery energy storage facilities while taking an innovative, customer-centric approach to its retail business. Learn more at vistracorp.com.

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SOURCE Vistra Corp

FAQ

When did Vistra (VST) receive approval to extend Perry Nuclear Plant's operations?

Vistra received Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval on July 7, 2025 to extend Perry Nuclear Plant's operations through 2046.

How many jobs does Vistra's Perry Nuclear Power Plant provide?

The plant provides 600 full-time jobs and employs over 200 permanent contractors, plus brings in 800-1,200 temporary workers during refueling outages.

What is the power generation capacity of Vistra's Perry Nuclear Plant?

Perry Nuclear Power Plant has a capacity of 1,268 megawatts of emission-free energy generation.

How many nuclear reactors does Vistra (VST) operate and what is their total capacity?

Vistra operates six nuclear reactors with a total fleet capacity of over 6,500 MW, capable of powering approximately 3.25 million homes.

What are the license extension dates for Vistra's nuclear fleet?

Perry is licensed through 2046, Beaver Valley units through 2036 and 2047, Davis-Besse through 2037, and Comanche Peak units through 2050 and 2053.