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Nonprofit Better Georgia on Plant Vogtle Costs, Georgia Power

AP Photo/John Bazemore, File

Rising costs of two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle mean Georgia consumers will have to pay more for power beginning in 2021. Thursday, state regulators voted to allow construction to continue on the project. While Georgia Power and Governor Deal praised the decision, opponents like the Sierra Club and the nonpartisan, progressive Better Georgia say regulators have failed consumers. Brandon Hanick is Communications Manager with the nonprofit.

“Georgia Power is a monopoly that is unchecked,” according to Hanick. “This is why we have anti-trust laws this is why we have regulation, but the Public Service Commission approving Plant Vogtle’s expansion despite the disaster that it’s become is a perfect example of when regulation fails.”

Costs have ballooned to more than $25 billion dollars. Southern Company made the announcement earlier this week. The company also pushed the expected date for completion back to March 2023.

“Georgia Power had $3.7 billion in gross profits last year, and this while this debacle of epic proportions is happening at Plant Vogtle. They’re years behind, billions over budget, and you and I are paying for it.”

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