Utility capital spending in the aftermath of Three Mile Island

Journal Article · Thu Mar 13 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Public Util. Fortn.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5302084

Studness, C M

Nuclear plant construction delays and design changes triggered by the accident at Three mile Island in 1979 will have a profound effect on utility capital spending. Licensing delays, mandated design changes, and inflation will alter the capital-spending forecasts of utilities with nuclear power plants that are either in the planning, design, construction, or operating stage. Acceleration of construction schedules on non-nuclear units to ensure adequate reserve margins in the face of delays in the completion of nuclear units may result in utility capital spending increases of $10 to $12 billion for the five years 1980-1984. Unless there is a dramatic change in the Federal government's policy in favor of nuclear power, a majority of the 23 units were planned for 1988-1991 will be either canceled or indefinitely deferred. since fossil units that would replace the canceled nuclear units have shorter lead times and lower total costs, the decline in spending on nuclear construction might result in declining capital spending for the industry during the latter part of the 1980s. (SAC)

• OSTI ID: 5302084
• Journal Information: Public Util. Fortn.; (United States), Journal Name: Public Util. Fortn.; (United States) Vol. 105:6; ISSN PUFNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
296001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power Generation-- (-1989)
CAPITAL
CONSTRUCTION
COST
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
FINANCING
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
INFLATION
INVESTMENT
LICENSING
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
POWER PLANTS
POWER REACTORS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
REACTOR LICENSING
REACTORS
REGULATIONS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS