Progress Energy has put back its nuclear new build plans by three years while requesting increased rates to finance the project. The Levy development should allow Florida to avoid becoming overdependent on currently cheap gas for power generation.
The utility has been progressing a plan to build two Westinghouse AP1000 reactors at a 2060 hectare greenfield site in Levy County, Florida. It has secured a decision from regulators that the plan would result in no significant environmental impact and is looking forward to receiving its final license to build and operate the plant.
However, the company reported yesterday to Florida’s Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates power companies in the state, that it has put back the schedule for the Levy development by three years. It now plans on having the first new reactor operable from 2024 with the second following 18 months later.