Cost of upgrading Monticello nuclear plant doubles http://www.kare11.com/news/article/1032273/391/Cost-of-upgrading-Monticello-nuclear-plant-doubles Jul 18, 2013 ST. PAUL, Minn. – Xcel Energy says the costs of upgrading its Monticello nuclear plant have doubled to $640 million.
The utility revealed the cost in a filing Wednesday with the state Public Utilities Commission, after previously saying the figure was a trade secret.
The project was originally expected to cost $320 million. The recently completed five-year project included replacement of aging equipment and boosting electricity output by 12 percent. The upgrades are intended to extend the life of the 43-year-old reactor another two decades.
Xcel expects to restart the plant this month after a four-month shutdown.
The utility has asked the PUC for a rate hike for 1.2 million Minnesota customers because of the cost overruns, which it blames on the complexity of the project. The commission is expected to decide this fall.
