Duke Still Pursuing Nuclear

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Credit Duke Energy

Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers says his company will continue to pursue building new nuclear plants in the Carolinas. Rogers spoke yesterday during a hearing of the North Carolina Utilities commission. Rogers was discussing the development of the Lee Nuclear Station in South Carolina. Duke is asking to spend $285 million to continue to develop the plant. Some of the money will likely come from a rate increase on North Carolina customers.

Rogers says the nuclear reactor failures in Japan haven’t changed the company’s position:

"Our commitment hasn’t faltered because it is the only technology today that produces electricity today with zero greenhouse gases."

The Utilities Commission is expected to decide within 6 months if Duke can spend more money to develop the Lee Nuclear site.