nuclear-news

Missouri law currently prevents consumers being slugged for nuclear upfront costs

Kathleen Logan Smith with the Missouri Coalition for the Environment sees the early site permit bill as a first step toward repealing Missouri’s law that bans a utility from charging customers the cost of building a power plant while under construction.

First step toward second nuclear plant brings out strong feelings, MissouriNet,  by Brent Martin  February 17, 2011 A first step toward a second commercial nuclear power plant in Missouri demonstrates how controversial and complicated the issue can be.
A coalition of Missouri utilities wants to be able to charge customers the cost of obtaining a permit for the site of a potential second nuclear power plant. Ameren Missouri operates the Callaway Nuclear Power Plant. Ameren President Warner Baxter told House Utilities Committee members they are considering the long-term energy security of the state…….

It could cost as much as $45 million to obtain the early site permit, only the initial step in construction of Callaway II, which could cost $5-to-$6 billion.

And as the coalition of utilities testified in favor, a loose coalition of businesses, consumer and environmental groups testified against. The hearing at the Capitol drew an overflow crowd, displaying the intense interest in the subject.

Kathleen Logan Smith with the Missouri Coalition for the Environment sees the early site permit bill as a first step toward repealing Missouri’s law that bans a utility from charging customers the cost of building a power plant while under construction.

“HB 124 is the first step to a full fledge repeal of our most cost-effective consumer protections ever, saving Missourians $400 million on Callaway I,” Smith stated.

Missouri voters in 1976 approved a law that prohibits utilities from charging customers for the cost of a new power plant during construction. ….
Opponents want a more secure funding source for the Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers during utility rate cases before the Public Service Commission..

First step toward second nuclear plant brings out strong feelings (AUDIO)

February 18, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, USA