Vermont Official Proposes Nuclear Reactor at Yankee Site
A new small modular reactor could replace the shuttered Vermont Yankee plant to help address rising electricity costs.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Nuclear
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Vermont Public Service Commissioner Kerrick Johnson has proposed installing a new small modular nuclear reactor at the former Vermont Yankee site in Vernon. The proposal aims to tackle rising energy costs and climate goals as the region seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Why it matters
With Vermont electricity bills projected to grow 40% in coming years, officials are turning toward new nuclear technology to ensure power affordability and reliability. This push reflects a broader regional pivot, supported by all six New England governors, toward nuclear energy.
The Vermont Yankee site currently houses 57 steel and concrete casks of spent fuel following the plant's 42-year operational lifespan. While modular reactor deployment is estimated to be seven or eight years away, the project must navigate the site's ongoing cleanup process.
The players
Kerrick Johnson
He serves as the Vermont Public Service Commissioner and has proposed the implementation of small modular nuclear reactor technology.
NorthStar Group Services
This company has owned the Vermont Yankee site since 2019 and is responsible for the ongoing $602 million demolition and cleanup project.
PowerTransitions
This Texas-based firm has entered a lease agreement for the site and is currently assessing the feasibility of new reactor installations.
Entergy Nuclear
This entity previously operated the Vermont Yankee plant and elected to shut it down in 2014 due to the high cost of power relative to natural gas.
The details
Texas-based PowerTransitions is currently evaluating the site under a lease agreement with owner NorthStar Group Services, which has been managing the location since 2019. The state maintains a right of first refusal on the property, which previously housed a 600-megawatt reactor before its 2014 closure due to high operating costs.
Timeline
Vermont Yankee closed in 2014 after 42 years of operation.
The state signed a memorandum of understanding for the site in 2018.
NorthStar Group Services acquired the property in 2019.
New England governors signed a letter of support for nuclear power in March 2026.
The Vermont Nuclear Decommissioning Citizens Advisory Panel met on October 20, 2026.
The Big Picture
The proposal aligns with the regional energy cooperation framework established by the New England governors in March 2026 to prioritize carbon-free power sources. It marks a significant shift in state energy strategy, potentially reversing the long-standing trend of nuclear phase-outs across New England.
A successful implementation of small modular reactors could provide a stabilized power supply, potentially offsetting future spikes in household electricity costs. Residents should monitor ongoing state regulatory proceedings to see how this project might influence long-term utility rate structures.
The takeaway
Small modular reactors represent an emerging alternative for states looking to balance climate goals with the need for reliable baseload power. As the technology matures, it may serve as a template for other regions looking to repurpose former plant sites.
Further reading
For more information on the regional energy transition, visit the Nuclear section.
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