FPL Nuclear Project Deemed ‘Feasible’

By News Service of Florida

Despite skepticism from attorneys for consumers and business groups, Florida Power & Light's long-term plan to build two nuclear reactors in Miami-Dade County remains feasible, staff members of the state Public Service Commission said in a recommendation this week. The recommendation, which will go to the commission Oct. 2 for approval, is part of a process that determines how much FPL should be allowed to collect from customers for nuclear projects. The utility has proposed building two reactors at its Turkey Point complex in Miami-Dade, a project that has been estimated to cost $12.6 billion to $18.4 billion. The utility has projected that the reactors would start generating electricity in 2022 and 2023. The state Office of Public Counsel, which represents consumers in utility issues, and groups such as the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Industrial Power Users Group and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy have questioned whether the project remains feasible. But the Public Service Commission staff said evidence presented by FPL fully considered a range of factors that could affect the feasibility. "While continuing uncertainty exists in virtually all these areas, staff believes completion of the (Turkey Point) project appears feasible at this time,'' the recommendation said.