A rate increase by Florida Power and Light Co. for nuclear plant uprates and the licensing of two new reactors will go before state regulators Monday with the blessing of the Florida Public Service Commission staff.Earlier this week, the agency released its recommendation that FPL be allowed to raise $196 million for projects in 2012 at its St. Lucie and Turkey Point nuclear plants. The money would help fund power uprates at both two-reactor plants. About $24 million would go toward licensing activities for Turkey Point units 6 and 7.According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, FPL applied in 2009 for a combined license to build two Westinghouse AP1000 reactors at the plant near Miami. The staff report from state regulators was also in agreement with FPL on the feasibility of that project.If approved, the new charges would amount to an additional $2.81 per month for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours, which includes additional conservation and environmental costs, the Palm Beach Post reported. Despite the positive staff report, final approval of the rate increase is uncertain and has met opposition from environmental groups and the Florida Industrial Power Users Group.
Anonymous comments will be moderated. Join for free and post now!
