Utilities begin loading radioactive fuel into a second new reactor at Georgia nuclear plant

By JEFF AMY
Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP) — Workers have begun loading radioactive fuel into a second new nuclear reactor in Georgia. Georgia Power Co. and co-owners said Thursday that they are transferring fuel into Unit 4 at Plant Vogtle, southeast of Augusta. The two-reactor project is seven years late and $17 billion over budget. Unit 3 entered commercial operation on July 31. Georgia Power says Unit 4 will be complete by March. The owners are currently projected to pay $31 billion for Vogtle. Loading fuel triggers a proceeding by the Georgia Public Service Commission to decide how much Georgia Power customers should pay for the project and how much of the costs the unit of Atlanta-based Southern Co. should absorb as wasteful.