Plant Vogtle Nuclear Power Plant Price Tag Soars, Construction Delayed

A public watchdog says the construction of a nuclear power plant in Georgia is running a year late, a lag that could trigger big expenses.

A utility analyst testified Tuesday that construction of two nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle could run a year longer than expected. The first new reactor was supposed to be running by late 2017, followed by the second in late 2018.

Southern Co. subsidiary Georgia Power was originally authorized to spend $6.1 billion on its share of the project. However, the building schedule has already suffered delays and costs have increased. The latest company estimates put the cost at $6.7 billion.

That price tag does not reflect the cost of additional delays or resolving ongoing litigation between the plant's builders and owners. Consumer advocates are worried that customers will see increases in their bills as a result of the delays.

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