TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Levy County Nuclear Plants Get Green Light From State

ADVERTISEMENT

By RUSSELL RAY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 15, 2008

Progress Energy Florida's plan to build two nuclear power plants in Levy County was approved today by state regulators.

The $14 billion project, which was approved unanimously by the Florida Public Service Commission, will lead to an estimated 3 percent to 4 percent increase in electric bills each year beginning in 2009 until 2018. Next year, the project will add $7.50 to the monthly electric bill of the average residential customer of Progress.

The project still needs approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The utility expects to file an application for an operating and construction permit with the NRC later this month.

Progress Energy Florida is Central Florida's largest power provider, serving nearly 1.7 million customers in 35 counties, including Pinellas, Polk and Pasco. .

The two-reactor project would be built about 10 miles north of the company's existing nuclear plant in Crystal River.

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870 or rray@tampatrib.com.

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT