Nov 06 - The Miami Herald
In March 2006, a tiny hole -- a mere one-eighth of an inch -- was discovered
in a critical pipe at the Turkey Point nuclear power plant. The hole ended
up costing at least $6 million.
This week, a heated debate has been going on in Tallahassee about who should
pay the $6 million -- Florida Power & Light or its customers.
New information obtained by state regulators shows that the prime suspect in
the case was a contract employee who drilled the hole because he was angry
with the utility. He had failed an FPL psychological test and had a criminal
background that included charges of criminal mischief.
Many of the costs associated with that hole are unknown, such as the expense
of the 1,100-plus interviews conducted by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation. What is known is that while the power plant was shut down for
the investigation and repairs, FPL had to spend $6 million to purchase power
from elsewhere.
In hearings Wednesday and Thursday before the Public Service Commission, the
consumer-oriented Office of Public Counsel maintains that FPL should have
been aware of the problems of the contract employee and should be
responsible for paying the $6 million.
FPL, owner of the nuclear plant, insists its actions were "reasonable and
prudent" and customers should foot the bill.
The hearing is continuing on Thursday morning. People can listen to the
testimony at the PSC's website -- psc.state.fl.us/agendas/audiovideo/audio.asx.
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