According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Georgia Public Service Commission staff is warning that the Vogle nuclear expansion is falling behind its already delayed schedule, and is not likely to meet its current in-service dates of November 2021 and 2022 for the two new reactors. PSC staff says Georgia Power’s current schedule is “no longer relevant to the project”. Southern Company counters the project is still on schedule.
My fellow South Carolinians, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, try to resist the schadenfreude that may arise as you read this article.
David Wright (left) nominated to NRC – photo nrc.gov
Former PSC Commissioner David Wright has served on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission since May of 2017 when he was nominated to serve the remainder of a five-year term ending in June of 2020. On Friday, President Trump nominated Commissioner Wright to serve a full term beginning in 2020. The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.
NextEra Energy Resources announced that its 75 MW Shaw Creek solar plant is operational in Aiken County. NextEra, with its affiliates, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy resources. Read more
The Department of Consumer Affairs is hiring a lawyer to appear at the PSC: essentially, a public defender for the consumer. This could be a great opportunity for someone who wants to practice in the field of public utilities.
Excerpts of the positing are below.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
A Juris Doctorate degree or its equivalent from an accredited law school and experience as a practicing attorney. Must be a member in good standing with the SC Bar. Must be able to work well with a team including legal assistants, paralegals, and other co-workers. Must be organized and be able to work independently in meeting deadlines. Some travel may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
At least three (3) years as a practicing attorney. At least two years of experience related to state or federal energy regulations applicable to utilities. Demonstrated interest or experience in the core mission of SCDCA. Knowledge of or experience in one or more of the following: energy, water, utility, finance, economics, environmental, or related technical field. Experience in litigation or administrative law. Possess excellent written and oral advocacy skills. Ability to interpret and apply relevant laws and judicial decisions. Ability to perform legal research involving complex legal problems. Thorough knowledge of the laws of South Carolina. Must have completed Rule 403 trial experience requirements.
Pay Band
Band 7
Hiring Range – Min. $49,594.00 Hiring Range – Max. $90,000.00
Matt Schellinger has ended his distinguished tenure as a Rates Analyst with the ORS. Matt was the consummate professional and a very effective witness at the Public Service Commission. I never worried about asking Matt and open ended question (unless I did not like the answer) because I knew he would tell it like it is. This made him a great ORS witness because it showed absolute confidence in his work. No announcement on Matt’s next move, but we wish him the best!
The Charlotte Observer reports Sen. Wes Climer plans to introduce two bills to regulate water utilities in the next session. Climer wants utilities to file plans similar to Integrated Resource Plans required of electrical utilities. A second bill Climer plans to introduce would preclude a water utility from earning a return on equity when there is a shortfall in service. The text of the bills is not available at this time. Climer said they will be pre-filled in December.
