ATLANTA, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power
announced today the latest milestone in the transition to operation
of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 – members of the first training class
of nuclear operators have passed the initial licensing exam by the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), ensuring that licensed,
qualified operators are in place prior to nuclear fuel loading and
plant start up. Once operational, the new units will employ
approximately 75 highly trained nuclear operators as part of a
permanent workforce of more than 800.
The three-week testing process encompassed simulator testing,
job performance measures and a written exam. The operators now must
complete an additional six months of preoperational testing before
receiving their licenses.
"Nearly four years have gone into training and preparing this
class with countless hours in the classroom and simulator," said
Karen Fili, site vice president for
Vogtle Units 3 and 4. "This team will help bring the new units
online for the first time and will be well-prepared to help ensure
safe and reliable operation for as long as the units are in
service."
The new Vogtle units are among the first built in the U.S. in
the last three decades and, once online, will serve customers for
more than 60 years. The four-unit Plant Vogtle is expected to
generate more electricity than any other U.S. nuclear facility,
enough to power more than one million homes and businesses.
Georgia Power delivers reliable energy for customers at the
lowest possible cost by leveraging a diverse generation mix,
including nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as
renewables such as solar and wind. To learn more about Georgia
Power's diverse generation portfolio, and the Vogtle nuclear
expansion project, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest
subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy
company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are
the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.5 million customers
in all but four of Georgia's 159
counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and
affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia
Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes
nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables
such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses
on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and
the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates
as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more
information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the
company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter
(Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).
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SOURCE Georgia Power