Higher second-quarter earnings expected at Entergy Nuclear

Higher second-quarter earnings expected at Entergy Nuclear
Washington (Platts)--19Jul2007Higher earnings are expected at Entergy Nuclear in the second quarter
than a year ago, parent Entergy Corp. said July 19 in releasing preliminary
earnings guidance.
The increase is mainly due to higher revenue because of higher energy
pricing and additional available production from Palisades, Entergy said.
Entergy completed the acquisition of the 845-MW PWR from Consumers Energy on
April 11. Partially offsetting these contributions was the effect on revenues
of two refueling outages during the quarter (compared to one the same period
last year) and an extended unplanned outage at Indian Point-3, Entergy said.
Operation and maintenance expenses were also higher than in second-quarter
2006, Entergy said.
Entergy Nuclear, the company's merchant nuclear subsidiary, operates six
nuclear units. Entergy Nuclear also manages Cooper for the Nebraska Public
Power District. Results from Entergy's five regulated reactors are included in
the company's "Utility, Parent & Other" business unit. Entergy said that
business unit's operational results are expected to be lower mainly because of
higher expenses for operation and maintenance, interest and income tax.