What changes do we have to make in our inspection program and other evaluation processes to ensure that we stay ahead of any potential degradation in safety at a plant, so that we can detect adverse trends and correct them. The Commission has asked the staff to examine measures to identify plants where economic stress may be impacting safety . Moreover, since deregulation may change the economic umbrella for some licensees, the NRC may need to monitor their financial qualifications more closely. In short, the NRC is being presented with a host of new challenges, just as a result of utility deregulation, which involve far more than technological issues. Any deregulation must consider operation, maintenance and decommissioning of nuclear generating stations.
Competitive pressures can result in pressure on the operators for decisions adverse to safety .
Decommissioning costs are tremendous and major accident costs, although unlikely, could be staggering. While ratepayers might bailout billions of dollars for stranded costs of nuclear plants in accordance with deregulation guidelines, stockholders will continue to reap profits. A decision to not shut down the unit could result in unsafe operation. Pennsylvanians will assume a greater risk if nuclear plants cut corners to compete with the other electricity generators. Electrical competition will cause a lower degree of safety as corners are cut, employees are overworked, and safety inspectors turn the other cheek and allow long delays for needed repairs.