Georgia Power, a unit of Southern Co. (NYSE: SO), said the combined construction and operating license for the planned nuclear units 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle are on track for approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by the end of 2011. The 1,100 MW Unit 3 is expected to become operational in 2016 and the similar-sized Unit 4 in 2017.
The company filed the fifth semi-annual construction monitoring report with Georgia state regulators. The company also sought regulatory approval for costs incurred between Jan. 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011.
In March 2009, the commission approved Georgia Power's request to certify construction of the two Westinghouse AP1000 reactors at Vogtle. Under the agreement, the company must file semi-annual monitoring and monthly status reports with the commission. The monitoring report includes any proposed revisions to the cost estimate, construction schedule, or project configuration, as well as a report on actual costs incurred during the period covered by the report and an updated comparison of the economics of the certified project.
