PSC to hear from public on nuclear expansion today

The Georgia Public Service Commission today is seeking public comment on whether it should approve plans for the expansion of a nuclear power plant in eastern Georgia.

The PSC is considering whether Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro should be allowed to build two new nuclear reactors.

The expansion would be among the first in the U.S. in 30 years.

Southern Nuclear Operating Company operates Vogtle. Officials there say the expansion would help meet the growing demand for electricity in Georgia.

But it could also mean a rate hike in energy costs for customers to pay for it.

Environmental groups also argue that new reactors would seriously impact the Savannah River. Proponents deny that.

Any expansion requires approval from both the PSC and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

After today's comment period, the PSC this week will hear testimony from Georgia Power, a primary owner of Plant Vogtle.

It's scheduled to hear from opponents of the expansion in January.

Today's public hearing begins at 10 a.m. at the PSC's offices in Atlanta.

For more information on the web, go to psc.state.ga.us.