Restructuring of the electricity business heralds significant changes in nuclear operations. The organization of the entire electric industry will be different as the vertically integrated monopolies that formerly provided electricity are replaced by separate companies, specializing in specific functions. Among them will likely be generating companies and a limited number of highly proficient nuclear operating companies. Producing electricity as a commodity in a competitive market will call for price-driven performance. The safety-focus of nuclear operations is the constant that will carry over into the competitive electricity business. In our current environment, you may be surprised to hear someone say the words nuclear” and “growth” together outside a discussion related to the Pacific Rim. In that area of the world, new nuclear plants are being ordered to meet the growing electrical demand of developing economies. America’s economy is at a different stage, and the nuclear industry here is a more mature one. There is, however, a potential for growth for some nuclear operators. The growth opportunity is for those nuclear operators who have a history of sustained excellent performance. This translates into an ability to control costs, while still operating plants safely and reliably.
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