RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A consumer group wants electric utility Dominion Virginia Power to get explicit approval from state regulators before it spends any more money prepping for a potential new $19 billion nuclear plant.
The Virginia Citizens Consumer Council filed a motion Tuesday arguing that Dominion is currently in violation of state law because it's started doing preliminary construction on a new nuclear plant, known as North Anna 3, without permission from state regulators.
Dominion has not committed to build the new plant, but plans to have spent at least $647 million by next year preparing for a potential build. The company says such preparations are prudent and ratepayers will benefit from having the option to build a reliable, long-lasting and carbon-free power source.
