Duke's Rogers Affirms Commitment To Nuclear Energy

Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers says his company will continue to pursue building new nuclear plants in the Carolinas. Rogers spoke Tuesday during a hearing of the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Duke wants regulators' permission to spend $285 million to continue with plans to develop the Lee Nuclear Station near Gaffney, SC. Duke will likely recoup some of the money through a rate increase even if the plant is never built. Rogers says the nuclear reactor failures in Japan haven't changed the company's position. "Our commitment hasn't faltered because it is the only technology today that produces electricity today with zero greenhouse gases." The Utilities Commission is expected to decide within six months if Duke can spend more money to develop the site. Related Story Japan's Nuclear Crisis May Pose Trouble For Duke's Plans