Statement on SACE’s Nuke Lawsuits
Atlanta, Ga. – The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy will be back in court for a hearing on April 30, 2010 in its continuing effort to protect Georgians from unfair utility costs in connection with the proposed construction of two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro, Georgia. At a hearing Friday challenging the Georgia Public Service Commission’s actions in connection with a controversial 2009 law relating to the financing of two new nuclear reactors at Georgia Power’s Plant Vogtle, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Wendy Shoob found that the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) lacked standing to challenge SB 31, which allows for Georgia Power customers to “pre-pay” for the new reactors, regardless if the two reactors are ever completed. Construction of the plant has already begun. Judge Shoob did not rule on the merits of the case but found that SACE’s claims were premature at this point because no harm to SACE had occurred–essentially because a rate increase for Georgia Power customers due to the proposed new Vogtle reactors has not yet happened. However, Georgia Power is set to file a base rate case request this summer and increased costs due to the proposed new Vogtle reactors are expected. SACE is currently reviewing its options regarding the ruling. On April 30, 2010 the Judge will hear SACE’s allegation that the Public Service Commission (PSC) erred as a matter of law by failing to make findings of fact and conclusions of law as required. Specifically, SACE alleges that the PSC did not provide the required written justifications for its findings that would “afford an intelligent review” by the courts. The PSC instead relied on conclusory statements void of any reasoning. In addition, SACE alleges that the PSC failed to make the findings of fact that the applicable statute requires prior to approving the nuclear reactors. Find the lawsuit Southern Alliance for Clean Energy filed in June 2009 against Georgia Power, Governor Perdue and the Georgia Public Service Commission here that could prevent Georgia ratepayers from having to prepay for building the two proposed new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle near Augusta along with additional background information.