Critics Of Plant Vogtle Say Georgia Doesn’t Need New Nuclear

Some critics of the Plant Vogtle project say Georgia Power could get by without the expansion of the nuclear plant. Boosting energy efficiency; adding more renewables, like solar energy; and buying power from other companies have been offered as alternate sources.

Jaime Henry-White / Associated Press file

Next week, Georgia regulators will decide on the future of the country’s only nuclear power construction project.

One big issue is how much completing the expansion at Plant Vogtle will cost, after years of delays, rising prices and the bankruptcy of the lead contractor – and how much of that cost Georgia Power ratepayers are likely to bear.

But another question is, does Georgia even need two additional nuclear reactors? The answer to that one depends who you ask.