SCBIZ Daily Staff

COLUMBIA -- A hearing to consider SCE&G’s application to build two nuclear reactors in Fairfield County begins today at the Public Service Commission in Columbia and is expected to last all week. Public comments will be heard: Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; and Dec. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

SCE&G, in partnership with the Santee-Cooper, is proposing to construct and operate two additional nuclear reactors, each capable of generating over 1100 MW of energy. The first reactor would be operational in 2016 and the second in 2019.

SCE&G fears that it will have a base power deficit of up to 450 megawatts without the new reactors by the projected start date. Environmental opponents say SCE&G has done little to encourage energy efficiency and conservation that would make the new reactors unnecessary.

In September, SCE&G was given permission to begin site work on the $10 billion project.

If you would like to participate in the public comment session, the PSC office is located in the Saluda Building at 101 Executive Center Drive in Columbia. For more information, call 803-896-5100 or visit www.psc.sc.gov.