Climate change lesson in heavens
You may have heard that Mars once had an ocean the size the of the Earth’s Arctic Ocean. A little known fact is that, prior to the ocean’s disappearance, weak-kneed Martian politicians, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, dismissed the idea that the ocean would ever disappear, failed to act until it was too late, and left their planet in the desolate, inhospitable state that it is today. I think there is a lesson in there for us Earthlings.
MIKE PROFIT, DUNWOODY
Gay activists are the bigots
If there is one thing that marks gay activists and their supporters, it’s their intolerance for opposing viewpoints and their shrill arguments (“Our ‘license to discriminate’ bills,” Opinion, March 6). “These bills would authorize discrimination against certain people.” Like former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran for instance? “Georgia’s state constitution contains some of the strongest religious freedom protections…” Why didn’t they protect Kelvin Cochran? To paraphrase author Mike Bowers, “opponents of this bill pretend situations like Kelvin Cochran’s never happen.” He claims that states with RFRA’s are used to justify discrimination — with no examples. Bowers’ op-ed shows that gay activists and their supporters have only one argument in their pocket: Those who have principled arguments against homosexuality are haters to the core. What they don’t understand is that their positions and their shrill arguments reveal them to be the real bigots.
BRIAN WILSON, ATLANTA
Vogtle story needs context
The AJC’s story (“Experts warned of nuke cost overruns,” March 7) presents a selective recount of the construction of Vogtle Units 3 and 4 near Waynesboro.
The long-term value of the Vogtle expansion is undeniable. As the article accurately notes, new nuclear insulates our customers from spikes in natural gas prices and potential future regulations that limit our use of fossil fuels. However, several important facts are either omitted or need clarification.
Above all, Georgia Power is focused on building the new units safely and correctly to fulfill our commitment to deliver a reliable and affordable energy source for future generations.
Vogtle 3 and 4 will have less of an impact on rates than we originally anticipated. At the time of certification, it was assumed that the project would mean a 12 percent increase in customer rates. However, the overall impact is currently projected to be 6 to 8 percent at peak due to financing and other benefits, and the fuel savings of nuclear energy. Most of this increase is already in rates.
While the article cites “interviews and a review of more than 1,000 pages of testimony and documents” for the story, the issues of contingency and relying on “more expensive power” were mischaracterized.
From the beginning, the benefits and risks of building these units have been thoroughly vetted with the PSC. Adding a contingency was discussed in detail during certification, with the PSC determining that a contingency should not be included in the certified amount and that the certified amount should reflect the best estimate at the time. The PSC verifies and approves costs as they are spent through its “real time” monitoring process and each semi-annual Vogtle Construction Monitoring (VCM) process.
Georgians enjoy reliable power at rates below the national average due to advance planning and construction of critical facilities like the Vogtle units. While we may have to rely on different generation sources for a short time until the new units come online, this is not a “more expensive power” cost of the facility. Even with schedule adjustments, the fuel benefits are simply deferred.
We remain dedicated to ensuring the Vogtle expansion delivers the most value for Georgia customers. It will guarantee clean, safe, reliable and affordable power for a growing Georgia.
VALERIE HENDRICKSON, DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATION, GEORGIA POWER
