nuclear-news

Progress Energy, a subsidiary of Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy, said Tuesday that it will begin decommissioning the Crystal River reactor instead of making repairs, which could have cost billions.

It chose a slow decommissioning process that essentially places the reactor in long-term storage over 40 to 60 years, instead of the costlier process of dismantling portions of the plant and moving them elsewhere…….

The company has about $600 million set aside for the decommissioning, which should be enough to cover the costs assuming the money generates the expected return on investment, company spokeswoman Suzanne Grant said……

customers could see an increase in their monthly electric bills of $5 to $10 if the Public Service Commission allows the company to pass along its costs.

One opponent of nuclear power hopes the Crystal River fiasco hurts Progress Energy’s chances of winning approval to build two nuclear reactors in Levy County.

“I believe this is going to be further fuel on the fire for the Legislature, hopefully, to begin to question the wisdom of these high-risk investments in energy,” said Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.” http://www2.hernandotoday.com/news/hernando-news/20