"Ratepayers Foot the Bill for Georgia Power's New Nuclear Reactors"

The Georgia Public Service Commission has unanimously approved a 6% rate increase to cover the remaining costs of Georgia Power Co.'s Plant Vogtle nuclear reactors, amounting to $7.56 billion. The rate increase is expected to add $8.95 per month to a typical residential customer's bill and will take effect once Unit 4 begins commercial operation, projected for March. The total cost of the project, including previous cost overruns and payments from the original contractor, is estimated to be around $35 billion. The approval comes after years of debate and could potentially discourage utilities from pursuing nuclear power due to the high costs involved.