Overview of Comanche Peak Expansion

Dear Employees, Neighbors and Friends:

As the chief nuclear officer for Comanche Peak, I'd like to briefly discuss seven things you need to know about our effort to potentially expand the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant: 

1. Strong Existing Operations: For almost 20 years hundreds of people work every day to make sure we operate our existing nuclear units safely and responsibly. We are in a position to potentially expand our operations to four units due to their continuing, diligent work. Thank you to all those who have helped us to reach this point.

2. Committed to Safety: We've spent three years working with hundreds of professionals to ensure the safety of our proposed technology before we applied for a Combined Operating License. We will also spend another three years or more in a comprehensive review process with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Safety is our highest priority.

3. Clean-Air Energy: Nuclear power doesn't have greenhouse gas or other air emissions. In Texas, we're particularly concerned about nitrogen oxide emissions from a variety of sources that contribute to ozone problems. Nuclear power represents a baseload source of energy with none of those emissions - that's a good combination.

4. Dependable Power: In July 2009, Texans set two new records for electric demand,  using more power than ever before. During those times, wind power supplied a very small part of the demand, because the wind doesn't usually blow during the hottest part of the day. More baseload nuclear power will help meet the increasing electric demands– providing dependable power when it's needed the most.

5. Advanced Technology: This expansion project is proposing to use advanced Mitsubishi technology that has been demonstrated at 24 nuclear power plants in Japan.  While it is new to the United States, it is undergoing an intensive, four-to-five year NRC review before it is approved.  By using this "evolutionary design," we will gain important safety and reliability improvements over previous designs.  

6. Owners Pay for Construction - Not Ratepayers: If the proposed new units are built, today's competitive Texas electric market means Comanche Peak Nuclear Operating Company – a joint venture between Luminant and Mitsubishi - would be responsible for the costs and risks related to building the new units. 

7. Economic Development: In addition to Comanche Peak's existing $100 million payroll, hundreds of jobs and $35 million in local property taxes, noted economist Ray Perryman detailed the potential economic impact of the construction and operation of Comanche Peak Units 3 & 4.

Thank you for your interest in our efforts to increase the use of safe, dependable, clean-air energy.

Sincerely,
Rafael Flores
Chief Nuclear Officer – Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant