nuclear-news

USA’s famous new nuclear reactors – a money pit

Watchdog: New nuclear plant will exceed budget, Online Athens, By RAY HENRY   – Associated Press, May 31, 2012 ATLANTA — A state monitor said he believes Southern Co. will exceed its $6.1 billion budget to build a first-of-its-kind nuclear plant, according to a report released Thursday.

The warning from nuclear engineer William Jacobs. Jr. was his bluntest assessment yet on the possibility that Southern Co. subsidiary Georgia Power will need more money to construct two more nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle near Augusta. Cost overruns plagued the industry during the last round of nuclear construction years ago. The 2.4 million
customers of Georgia Power ultimately pay for the building costs.

“In my opinion, the Company will need to request an increase in the certified cost and a change in the certified schedule to a later completion date,” said Jacobs, who was hired by the state’s Public Service Commission to monitor construction progress….

.. The report marked a change in tone for Jacobs. When asked in written testimony whether the plant could be built on budget and schedule, he simply answered, “No.” In previous reports, Jacobs had said Southern Co. faced “significant challenges” sticking to its budget….. http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2012-05-31/watchdog-new-nuclear-plant-will-exceed-budget

June 1, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, USA