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Ruling not expected to affect new Vogtle units

A recent ruling by Fulton Superior Court Judge Wendy Shoob to remand the Public Service Commission's (PSC) certification of Vogtle units 3 and 4 back to the PSC will not affect the construction schedule of the new units.

The ruling is part of a lawsuit filed last year by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) alleging the PSC acted improperly in certifying units 3 and 4. The suit also challenged the constitutionality of Senate Bill 31, which allows Georgia Power to recover financing costs during the construction of nuclear units while they're being built and helps save customers money. That claim was dismissed at an earlier hearing.

"The ruling does not challenge the need for the Plant Vogtle expansion project and it does not impact Senate Bill 31," said Buzz Miller, nuclear development executive vice president. "This is a procedural decision asking the PSC to clarify the facts and conclusions on which the order was based."

The matter will now go back to the PSC where a more detailed order consistent with the PSC's vote to certify the units will be written. The chairman of the commission will then sign the new order.

Miller said once the new order is written, there are no further hearings or proceedings necessary concerning the certification.

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