Plant Vogtle story omitted key facts
The story, “Big costs loom for Georgia Power customers” (News, Dec. 19), omitted several important facts about the expansion of Plant Vogtle. That an innovative, first-of-its-kind nuclear expansion has faced pressures should come as a surprise to no one. The Georgia Public Service Commission designed an extensive, transparent monitoring process precisely to anticipate, understand and work through any challenges. This process, which includes an independent construction monitor, continues to demonstrate that any issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner, all while the expansion continues to be well-managed and make significant progress.
The new Vogtle units are being built in the safest, most economic way possible. By collecting financing expenses as we build, we are saving customers hundreds of millions in carrying costs. Moreover, $2.3 billion in customer benefits including loan guarantees and other incentives have and will more than offset any cost increases. And our strong “fixed price” contract helps protect our customers and holds our contractors accountable to do the job right.
Georgia’s energy needs are, and will continue to be, met by one of the most affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electric generation fleets anywhere. This is due largely to advance planning in collaboration with the PSC to evaluate the state’s current and future energy needs and determine the best way to move forward. Independent analysis has repeatedly shown the Vogtle expansion provides billions of dollars in additional value over the next-best energy option. Even considering the current challenges, the facility will deliver value to Georgians over the next 60-plus years.
VALERIE HENDRICKSON, DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION, GEORGIA POWER CO.
Cop death blame rests with killers
A deranged loner with a lengthy criminal history shoots his girlfriend and then executes two New York police officers, and conservative pundits put the blame on Al Sharpton and Mayor Bill de Blasio for statements they’ve made. Let’s try using that “reasoning” to analyze comparable historical events.
President Ronald Reagan said, “Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem.” Should we blame Reagan for the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City? Of course not; anti-government zealots Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were the guilty ones. Before bombing Centennial Olympic Park, Eric Rudolph killed a police officer and severely injured a nurse when he bombed a Birmingham abortion clinic. Did Mother Teresa, who called abortion “murder,” cause Rudolph to murder? Ridiculous, of course, but no more so than blaming Sharpton or de Blasio.
President Reagan said something else that seems relevant here: “We must reject the idea that every time a law’s broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions.”
FRED ROBERTS, DECATUR
