New nuclear reactor enters service, driving Georgians' power bills higher

FILE -- Reactors for Unit 3 and 4 sit at Georgia Power's Plant Vogtle nuclear power plant on Jan. 20, 2023, in Waynesboro, Ga., with the cooling towers of older Units 1 and 2 billowing steam in the background. Company officials announced Monday, July 31, 2023, that Unit 3 has reached commercial operation after years of delays and billions in cost overruns. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

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The first new nuclear reactor at Plant Vogtle is now in service – which means bills are going up again for Georgia Power customers. A charge of about $5.46 for the typical residential customer will appear on power bills in August, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center.

It is the third bill increase this year, with more on the way.