Nuclear Power Plant Approval/Construction Process

Current status – On June 30, 2009, FPL filed a Combined License Application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a Site Certification Application with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and a permit application with the Army Corps of Engineers. These applications are part of a stepwise approach to create the option to build additional nuclear generation for the benefit of our customers. 

Now that this application has been filed, FPL will engage in an extensive multi-agency review process on the local, state and federal level. There are multiple opportunities for individuals and groups to learn more and participate in the process. 

Reviews and approvals to date – As part of the process, FPL requested a Determination of Need with the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) on Oct. 16, 2007, proposing to expand its nuclear fleet by building two new nuclear units at the existing Turkey Point generating complex. On April 11, 2008, the Florida PSC issued the final order approving Turkey Point Nuclear Units 6 and 7.

Recently the Florida Public Service Commission approved FPL’s proposal to reduce our nuclear charge in 2010 by about $2 to 67 cents a month for a typical residential customer.  This will continue to allow the company to create the option of new, safe, clean nuclear power in a careful, stepwise fashion. Nuclear power is an investment in the future, and by investing this modest amount now, we can help ensure a future of abundant clean energy at lower, more stable prices. The approval and construction process is lengthy; yearly cost filings allow the PSC to conduct a prudence review of costs incurred and a reasonableness review of costs projected to be recovered through the rule. If, at some point, it is determined that the project is not in the best interest of customers, it can be terminated, modified or postponed. Only the project costs up to that time would be subject to recovery by the company.