PEF estimates that increasing the plant's gross output from 900 megawatts (MW) to 1,080 MW will be enough to serve an additional 110,700 homes. Because nuclear energy is the most cost-effective way to generate electricity, the uprate is expected to save customers more than $2.6 billion in gross fuel costs through 2036, PEF says.
"This innovative project is another way we are managing the rising costs of fossil fuels used to generate electricity," said Jeff Lyash, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida. "Our diverse fuel mix of coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear already helps mitigate fuel-price volatility. Investing in and maximizing the efficiency of our power plants - especially our highly reliable and cost-effective nuclear unit - supports our balanced approach to meeting growing customer demand for safe, reliable and economical power."
If approved by the Florida Public Service Commission, the uprate will take place in two stages: 40 MW will be added after equipment modifications during the 2009 refueling outage, and 140 MW will be added after upgrades to the reactor during the 2011 refueling outage. The project is estimated to cost about $382 million, which includes potential transmission-system improvements and compliance with environmental regulations.
Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy, provides electricity and related services to more than 1.6 million customers in Florida.
