The US nuclear power reactor fleet is winding up the autumn refueling and maintenance cycle, and uptime improved to 94.2%, as the power source continues to outperform 2015 in NOV-DEC. Last year the capacity factor stood at 89.9%, which translates to an additional 0.82 BCFD of natural gas replaced in '16 vs '15.
The higher uptime in November translated to a theoretical 37 BCF of additional natural gas replacement, and 7.8 BCF in December to date (through the 14th).
In 5 or 6 days, the capacity factor should be comparable to last year as it approaches the high 90's before Christmas.
