The application, submitted to the NRC July 30, included the request to build two Westinghouse AP1000(TM) nuclear reactors at the site. Nuclear power is a key component of Progress Energy Florida's balanced solution strategy to meet Florida's long-term energy needs.

Nuclear power, along with additional renewable energy resources and expanded energy-efficiency programs, is Progress Energy Florida's strategy to address climate change and the need for greater fuel diversity.

Progress Energy Florida has developed and implemented some of the most innovative and aggressive energy-efficiency programs in the country. The programs encourage customers, businesses, contractors and builders to use electricity more wisely and to adopt renewable-energy technology.

Since 1981, Progress Energy Florida customers have saved more than $900 million in energy costs and eliminated more than 7.5 million tons of carbon dioxide through participation in these programs. Customers may visit www.savethewatts.com for more information and tips on how to save energy today.

Progress Energy is also proud to be a leader in alternative energy in Florida. Progress Energy Florida leads the state's utilities in using cost- effective, renewable-energy sources within the state. The company continually seeks cleaner, newer ways to produce energy for its customers. Currently, about 4 percent of Progress Energy Florida's electricity comes from alternative and renewable sources.

"At Progress Energy Florida, we are committed to ensuring safe, clean, reliable and affordable power today and in the future," said Jeff Lyash, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida.

"Our communities are growing, and we are all using more electricity in our daily lives, so our energy needs are increasing. The addition of an advanced, state-of-the-art nuclear facility in Levy County will add to our already diverse generation portfolio and enable us to address the challenge of climate change with safe, carbon-free power."

The licensing process, once completed, gives Progress Energy the option to construct and operate two units at the Levy County site; it does not obligate the company to build. The NRC will review the application over the next three to four years.

The submission of the COL application is the last in a series of three important filings in order to consider building a nuclear power plant at the Levy County site. The first filing was a "Determination of Need" petition submitted to the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) in March.

On July 15, the PSC unanimously approved the petition, agreeing with the need to meet future energy needs in Florida with nuclear power. The second filing, a Site Certification Application (SCA), was filed with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on June 2. A decision on the SCA filing is expected in 2009. The third filing is the COL application.

Progress Energy Florida has purchased about 5,000 acres in southern Levy County for the potential construction of two nuclear reactors and associated transmission needs. If built, the new plants would employ between 800 and 900 full-time, high-paying positions, generate another 1,000 to 2,000 indirect jobs and employ about 3,000 people at the height of construction.

If the company moves forward with plans for a new nuclear plant at the Levy County site, the new plant's first reactor could be online in 2016, with the second reactor coming online in 2017.

Progress Energy has selected the Westinghouse AP1000 reactor design as the preferred technology for the potential new nuclear units in Florida. The AP1000 is an advanced 1,100-megawatt nuclear power plant that uses passive safety system designs and engineering simplicity to enhance plant reliability and reduce construction costs.

The company estimates the total cost of the project to be approximately $14 billion for the two units and an additional $3 billion for the necessary transmission equipment. This estimate includes land price, plant components, financing costs, construction, labor, regulatory fees and reactor fuel for two units and about 200 miles of transmission lines and associated equipment.

Despite the current economic downturn, Progress Energy Florida's service area remains a fast growing region. As the fourth-largest state, Florida ranks third nationally in per-capita energy consumption. Over the past three decades, the size of the average home has grown by 50 percent and uses 30 percent more electricity.

Since the Crystal River nuclear plant came online in the mid-1970s, the company's customer base has more than doubled.

Even after customers take advantage of the company's numerous energy- efficiency programs -- considered one of the best of any utility in the nation -- energy demand is expected to grow 25 percent in Progress Energy Florida's 35-county service area over the next decade.

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