TVA delays decision on nuclear plant

NORTH MISSISSIPPI — Tennessee Valley Authority executives say they are delaying a planned April decision on whether to possibly build a new reactor at the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in northeast Alabama.

Utility spokesman Terry Johnson told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that the board is delaying a decision that was expected on April 16 for at least a few months to further consider its options.

TVA could complete an old reactor, build a new one, or do nothing at all.

Johnson said Tuesday it’s an important decision for TVA and its customers.

The newspaper reports that an environmental assessment last year showed that finishing the Unit 1 reactor started in 1974 would be cheaper. TVA previously said it would build the Westinghouse reactor but cost estimates have climbed above $3 billion.