This afternoon, Duke Energy announced that it has ceased plans to build a nuclear plant in Levy County. This decision comes after cost estimates for the plant ballooned from around $6 billion to $24 billion, and the completion date was pushed back to 2024. Because of the controversial nuclear cost recovery clause, customers have already paid a portion of the cancelled project. Representative Dwight Dudley, a vocal critic of the proposed plant, praised Duke’s decision. However, he also reminded ratepayers that the fight is far from over.
“Duke Energy also deserves some credit for doing the right thing. It took a while, and it cost ratepayers a pretty penny, but I am glad that this failed plant has finally been abandoned. While I have been critical of Duke’s new CEO and her recently expressed desire to expand the utility tax, I consider this announcement to be a step in the right direction. Now, Duke can continue to do the right thing by reimbursing ratepayers for the vast sums of money that have already been taken from them.
“I believe that this moment could mark a transition toward coherent energy policy in the state of Florida. The increasing cost of nuclear power and the failure of the Levy plant should prompt our legislature to consider alternative options. However, we cannot allow this victory to cloud our focus. Until the tax has been repealed, once and for all, the utility companies will still have the power to do as they please. Under the current law, they can take as much of our money as they’d like—few questions asked, no end in sight. I will continue to fight until the power has been restored to consumers.”
Representative Mike Fasano was not as kind in his comments about Duke Energy’s plans.
“Duke Progress have not been honest with the customers, legislature and the Florida Public Service Commission,” said Fasano. “I have unsuccessfully tried to repeal the cost recovery tax – I have said many times Duke Progress would never build the nuclear power plants in Levy County. It’s time for a full investigation and for the Public Service Commission and Florida Legislature to step up to plate and hold the utility accountable. 1 billion dollars has been paid to Duke Progress by its customers and those customers will never get anything for the dollars they paid out.”
