East Kentucky Power Cooperative Seeks Streamlined Regulatory Process for Nuclear Facilities

East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) has submitted a statement to the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) regarding the regulation of nuclear energy facilities, specifically small modular reactors (SMRs). EKPC is seeking a more streamlined regulatory process for permitting and siting of nuclear facilities, including the consideration of a limited intervention process to prevent delays. The cooperative also encourages a discussion on cost sharing and cost recovery for nuclear projects.

Key Takeaways:

• EKPC suggests that SMRs based on existing large-scale boiling and pressured light water reactor technology could utilize uranium oxide fuel produced in the United States, providing a lower-risk option for gaining operating experience.
• EKPC proposes inviting representatives from the United States Department of Energy or the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, Office of Energy Policy, to discuss spent fuel storage solutions.
• The cooperative recommends limiting the impacts of intervention by parties that could unreasonably delay nuclear projects.
• EKPC encourages a discussion on the costs and cost recovery related to the planning, development, permitting, construction, and staffing of a nuclear generation facility.
• The cooperative suggests that a successful nuclear program in the Commonwealth will require a sharing of costs between the utility applicant, industrial partners, and the federal and state government.
• EKPC welcomes the opportunity to discuss nuclear generation options with the Commission, other utilities, and other interested parties at the scheduled informal conference.

Statistics:

• The proposed small modular reactors could generate electricity in the range of 300 MW or less.
• EKPC believes that a successful nuclear program in the Commonwealth will require a shared cost approach among stakeholders.
• The cooperative has requested a streamlined regulatory process for permitting and siting of nuclear facilities, which could potentially reduce delays and costs.

Sources:

• Commonwealth of Kentucky before the Public Service Commission in the matter of Electronic Investigation of Nuclear Energy, Generation, Storage, and Related Matters CASE NO. 2025-00186
• Kentucky Public Service Commission's Order in Case No. 2020-00085, July 22, 2021
• EKPC's statement to the Commission, July 11, 2025