A state monitor says Georgia Power faces "significant challenges" building a nuclear power plant on budget.

The report released Friday questions whether the Southern Co. subsidiary can build the first of two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle near Augusta by April 2016 at an approved cost of roughly $6.1 billion.

If federal regulators approve the project, it could become the first U.S. nuclear plant to break ground in a generation.

Nuclear engineer William Jacobs said that the construction schedule has already slipped several months and he has doubts that the company can make up the lost time. He also warned there could be delays in getting critical approvals from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Southern Co. spokesman Todd Terrell said the company believes its projects remains on track.

Tags: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Plant Vogtle, nuclear power plant, Southern Co., Todd Terrell, William Jacons