Construction schedule uncertain for new Georgia Power nuclear plant near South Carolina line

Georgia Power says its construction budget for a nuclear plant near the South Carolina line remains steady but costs could change in the future.

The Southern Co. subsidiary estimates it will spend $6.7 billion for its share of the cost of building two reactors at Plant Vogtle (VOH'-gohl).

That projection came Thursday in a company report sent to Georgia's utility regulators.

The new reactors at Plant Vogtle and a sister project in South Carolina are the first in a new generation of nuclear plants.

The Georgia reactors are supposed to start operating in late 2017 and late 2018. However, Southern Co. says its builders face "challenges" sticking to the schedule. Southern Co. and plant co-owners are still waiting for a full schedule showing how the construction deadline will be met.