Georgia Gov. Deal: 'Good solution' if utility absorbed more of added costs of nuclear plant

photo Georgia Governor Nathan Deal

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Gov. Nathan Deal says it would be a "good solution" if the Southern Co. utility absorbed more of the extra costs incurred while building a nuclear power plant in eastern Georgia.

The Republican governor said the decision rests with Georgia's Public Service Commission.

Still, Deal told WSAV-TV this week that there are "points to be made" by people who say Southern Co. subsidiary Georgia Power should take a loss on more of the extra costs. The utility has announced it cannot meet its original construction budget. It wants utility regulators to raise that construction budget by $737 million.

Deal said the nuclear reactors under construction at Plant Vogtle are first-of-their-kind technology and necessary to supply electricity to Georgia.

Building costs are ultimately paid by utility customers.

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