Nuclear Costs
Estimates for new reactor construction costs continue to sky-rocket. Conservative estimates range between $6 and $12 billion per reactor but Standard & Poor's predicts a continued rise. The nuclear power industry is lobbying for heavy federal subsidization including unlimited loan guarantees but the Congressional Budget Office predicts the risk of default will be well over 50 percent, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. Beyond Nuclear opposes taxpayer and ratepayer subsidies for the nuclear energy industry.
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UTILITIES: Exelon faces a potential class-action lawsuit for allegedly making false and misleading statements about a federal investigation into its lobbying activities. (Chicago Sun-Times)
In response to a federal investigation into Exelon’s and ComEd’s lobbying activities, Illinois lawmakers introduce legislation to revoke ratepayer bailouts for two Exelon nuclear plants. (Crain’s Chicago Business)
OHIO: The Ohio Supreme Court throws out FirstEnergy Solutions’ lawsuit arguing that recent legislation allowing subsidies for nuclear and coal plants can’t be subject to referendum. (Toledo Blade)
December 19, 2019