Group wants delay on SCE&G nuke hearings

The S.C. Energy Users Committee wants the state Public Service Commission to hold off on hearings for two nuclear reactors, so that they and others have more time to prepare. The public hearings are currently scheduled for October 27, though the utility has to have its material to the commission by next month. On the current schedule, a decision would be made around the end of February.

But the SCEUC says they need more time to build their cases, as The State reports:

“Because SCE&G is on the cutting edge of nuclear construction in the United States, the utility proposes to build nuclear facilities which are novel in design and which have never been constructed before,” the group’s attorney, Scott Elliott, said in papers filed Thursday with state regulators.

More time, Elliott said, is needed by the various parties to review the application, offer comments and build their cases.

The commission didn't offer an immediate response to the request, simply saying that scheduling is at their discretion. A few others chimed in, though, in favor of the move, and SCE&G parent SCANA said they would file a response to the request in the next few days.

The PSC has the entire file on the application online, including past filings, upcoming meetings, who's involved, and so on. It's a very comprehensive look at the issue.

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