Where: Waynesboro, Georgia

When: 2013-2021

Outcome: The two units (3&4) currently under construction were initially expected to be complete by 2017. Current estimates for completion range from 2022 to late 2023. 

Key cost stats: Costs have ballooned from $14 billion to over $27 billion for the new units, and every additional month of delay costs another $90 million. The first two units, constructed between 1976-1987, were expected to cost $660 million but ended up costing almost $9 billion.

Notable facts: Most electric customers in Georgia will have to pay for the project, and some are already paying. Rates for Georgia Power ratepayers have gone up 3.4% to pay for earlier costs and the utility projects rates will rise another 6.6%, for a total increase of 10%. 

Learn more: Wikipedia, Associated Press

Where: Jenkinsville, South Carolina

When: 2008-2017

Outcome: The two planned nuclear reactors were never finished.

Key cost stats: Estimated construction costs climbed to $25 billion after an initial investment of $9 billion. The $16 billion gap prompted the utilities to bow out of the project, effectively ending it.

Notable facts: South Carolina Electric & Gas customers will pay a substantial amount of the $16 billion debt through their monthly power bills over the next 20 years.

Learn more: Wikipedia

Where: Madison, Indiana

When: 1977-1984

Outcome: Construction began but the plant was never completed.

Key cost stats: $2.5 billion spent before the project was abandoned.

Notable facts: Marble Hill is the most expensive nuclear construction project ever abandoned. Demolition has been ongoing since 2008.

Learn more: Wikipedia

‍Where: Washington

When: 1970s-80s

Outcome: Construction of 4 of the 5 nuclear plants was terminated before completion.

Key cost stats: By 1982, the plants were years behind schedule and projected costs were four times over the original budget, swelling from $4.5 billion initially to $24 billion. 

Notable facts: When WA Public Power Supply System defaulted on $2.25 billion in municipal bonds financing two of the five nuclear plants, it was the nation’s largest ever municipal bond default at the time -- and is still the second largest such default today. Ultimately bondholders would receive between 10-40 cents on every dollar invested. In 1998, the Supply System changed its name to Energy Northwest in hopes of shedding its negative image, costing ratepayers $260,000. Energy Northwest was to be the plant operator for the UAMPS/NuScale proposed SMR project in Idaho Falls, but backed out in early 2021. 

Learn More: HistoryLink, Seattle Times, Wikipedia