Reaction mixed as PSC votes to continue work at Plant Vogtle

ATLANTA — The Georgia Public Service Commission on Thursday unanimously approved the continued construction of Georgia Power Company’s Plant Vogtle construction project but with conditions that will reduce the company’s revenue requirement by $1.7 billion over the construction and operation of the plant.

The commission also ordered Georgia Power to give rate payers $75 in bill credits by the end of the third quarter in 2018.

PSC Vice Chairman Tim Echols’ motion to impose these conditions received unanimous approval.

“We did not shirk our responsibility today,” said commission Chairman Stan Wise,“I believe these conditions are reasonable based on the filings and the discussions. I believe the fuel diversity and the long-term benefit that we will receive over the life of this project was the overriding factor in the commission’ s decision today.”

Reaction to the PSC decision varied from the governor to at least two gubernatorial candidates.

Gov. Nathan Deal

“I commend the Public Service Commission for its vision and foresight in approving continuation of the Plant Vogtle expansion while holding the owners accountable to ratepayers,” Deal said. “Investing in clean, sustainable energy infrastructure is a worthwhile endeavor that will have a positive economic impact as well. Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 will provide affordable energy to Georgians for more than 60 years while creating 6,000 jobs during project construction and 800 well-paying, permanent ones after. It is important that we stay the course.”

Stacey Abrams

Former House minority leader and candidate for Governor of Georgia Stacey Abrams also released a statement on the Public Service Commission’s decision to move forward with Plant Vogtle.

“Where the Public Service Commission and I agree is that the 6,000 workers employed at Plant Vogtle have proven to be outstanding, despite corporate mismanagement that has slowed the project at the expense of ratepayers and taxpayers,” Abrams said. “Ensuring that Georgians have access to diverse, reliable energy sources and skilled high-wage jobs is essential.

“However, I strongly disagree with today’s PSC decision to not hold Georgia Power accountable, as this demonstrates an allegiance to corporate shareholders, not to ratepayers and families. As Plant Vogtle continues, we must demand leadership that requires accountability and for corporations to shoulder the risk of investment, not everyday Georgians.”

Michael Williams

Republican candidate for governor Michael Williams expressed his disappointment in Thursday’s decision by the Public Service Commission.

“I’m very disappointed by the PSC’s decision to charge ratepayers hundreds of dollars to continue construction of the disastrous Plant Cronyism project,” William said. “The PSC played Santa Claus for Georgia Power and Scrooge for ratepayers. They ignored the recommendations from their own analysts, handed Georgia Power a blank check, and incentivized failure. Georgia Power should be responsible for their own cost overruns.”

PSC Commissioner Tim Echols

Echols made the motion at Thursday’s PSC meeting to continue to move forward with construction

“Affordable electricity and a reliable grid are what companies looking to locate new facilities or relocate to a new state often look for,” he said. “As commissioners, we froze Georgia Power’s base rates in 2013, and they will remain frozen until Georgia Power’s next rate case in 2019.

“Those Vogtle reactors (Units 1 and 2) built in the ’80s now provide some of the cheapest power in the state.”

Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-Albany)

“I am very pleased the PSC decided to allow work to continue at Plant Vogtle,” Bishop said in a news release. “My constituents and ratepayers across the state have heavily invested in this project, which will modernize Georgia’s energy production. This decision will ensure their investment is not wasted and will provide a clean and efficient source of power for the people of Georgia.”