Thursday, June 21, 2012

Florida Regulators Reconsider Denial of Ratepayer Funding for Possible Gulf Power Nuclear Plant Land

Florida Regulators Reconsider Denial of Ratepayer Funding for Possible Gulf Power Nuclear Plant Land

Electric regulators in Florida are taking a second look at a previously rejected bid by Gulf Power to raise money from ratepayers to help finance land that could potentially be used for a new nuclear plant.

The Southern Co. subsidiary previously went before the Florida Public Service Commission for permission to buy land in Escambia County and pay for the carrying cost using rate increases, WFSU public radio reported Tuesday. While the commission denied the request, it is now considering an appeal by the utility.

Gulf Power has been assembling thousands of acres in the Florida Panhandle for new power generation that would replace or supplement a nearby coal plant in 10 to 15 years. Gulf Power has said nuclear energy is under consideration, but the company has not yet made a final decision whether it will build reactors at the site or go with natural gas or renewable generation. Meteorological and geological studies are underway that would determine whether the site is appropriate for a nuclear plant.

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