CPUC approves PG&E’s estimated cost of $3.9 billion to decommission the Diablo Canyon Power Plant
Customers can expect to see a monthly bill increase starting in January of 2022
–The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) estimated cost of $3.9 billion to safely decommission the Diablo Canyon Power Plant (DCPP) beginning in 2025.
“Diablo Canyon continues to be an important resource for California in achieving our clean energy goals. At the end of the operating licenses, we are committed to safely decommissioning Diablo Canyon in a fashion that is consistent not only with all laws and regulations, but also is respectful of the environment and reflects the input of our neighboring communities,” said Jim Welsch, Senior Vice President, Generation and Chief Nuclear Officer. “Today’s decision will help us achieve those goals and deliver on PG&E’s purpose of serving our planet and delivering for our hometowns.”
Every three years, PG&E submits a nuclear decommissioning cost triennial proceeding filing with the CPUC to evaluate the adequacy of funding for the future decommissioning of DCPP.
The $3.9 billion cost estimate is based on a comprehensive, site-specific decommissioning analysis and reflects input from interested parties and stakeholders including the Utility Reform Network, the Public Advocate’s Office of the California Public Utilities Commission, Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, the County of San Luis Obispo, Women’s Energy Matters, and yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Cultural Preservation Kinship.
Today’s decision authorizes the collection of approximately $900 million in customer contributions to fully fund the project. As a result of this decision, customers can expect to see a monthly bill increase for a period of eight years starting in January of 2022. For an average, non-CARE, bundled residential electric customer with an average monthly usage of 500 kWh, the bill impact would be approximately $0.59 cents per month.
