SCE&G Defends Extra Money for Nuclear Plant

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – South Carolina Electric & Gas says it has done a good job managing a $14 billion project to build two new nuclear reactors.
The utility responded to a new coalition of small businesses, environmental groups and community leaders called Stop The Blank Check that wants South Carolina regulators to reject part of a rate increase to pay for nuclear power plants under construction.
SCE&G says the new plants will cost an extra $846 million, pushing the final costs to nearly $14 billion. The utility’s final paperwork for approval of the plants in 2009 estimated costs at $11.4 billion.
SCE&G spokesman Eric Boomhower says whether someone builds a house or two complex nuclear plants, there will always be unexpected costs that crop up. He says the plants will save ratepayers money in the long run.