Progress Energy May Build New Nuclear Plant In Florida

[link to www.local6.com]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Progress Energy Florida may build another nuclear power plant in Florida, with rural counties in the central part of the state providing some of the most attractive options for a site, the company´s president said.

Progress Energy president and chief executive Bill Habermeyer told the St. Petersburg Times on Monday that customer growth, rising conventional fuel costs and a pronuclear stance by the Bush administration are leading the company to seriously consider building a second nuclear power plant in Florida.

Progress Energy expects to select a design and site, possibly in rural Polk, Seminole, Osceola or Highlands counties, by the end of the year. The plant could be up and running by 2015.