EDF executives met Maryland legislators over nuclear reactor plan

EDF of France, the new business partner of Constellation Energy, recently briefed lawmakers on its plan to construct a nuclear power station in Maryland.

The Public Service Commission had given the approval to EDF’s partnership with Constellation. Executives from EDF flew to Annapolis to brief lawmakers about their nuclear plans, particularly the construction of a new station in Calvert Cliffs.

Marc Kugler, Vice President for Operations of EDF, informed that the two companies had already invested $600 million to develop the nuclear project. Currently, EDF has a share of 49 per cent over Constellation’s nuclear power company. The plan to build the third nuclear reactor station in Calvert Cliffs, expected to be one of the biggest construction projects in the state, will employ 4,000 workers and will create 400 permanent positions.

Supporting the re-regulation of Maryland’s utility sector, Senator EJ Pipkin questioned whether the venture will make consumer energy bills lower. EDF however assured that the venture will cut power costs for consumers of Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE).

In related news, Constellation had given a $36 million donation to its foundation to support efforts to improve the quality of life in communities where the company operates. In addition, Constellation plans to start donating at least one per cent of its annual income to charitable organizations.

The contribution is believed to provide greater support to non-profit organizations working in the fields of education, energy and environment. Recently, Constellation had given $1 million to the Baltimore Community Foundation to help launch BGE’s heating system fund; $300,000 to Tree Baltimore project; and additional grants to Partners in Excellence, CollegeBound Foundation and Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity.