When will PPL make a final decision about constructing Bell Bend?
No timetable has been set. A final decision depends on getting an NRC license to build and operate the plant, obtaining a federal loan guarantee, attracting additional investors, and on PPL’s view of power market fundamentals at that time.

Will PPL need to acquire more property? 
PPL already owns most of the land it would need to accommodate the new unit. The site is located between Market Street and Confers Lane in Salem Township. It is on the opposite side of Confers Lane from the Susquehanna plant property. PPL has notified a few additional property owners in the area that the company would like to acquire their land for the new unit project.

When will construction begin?
Early site work could begin in 2011, and construction could begin as early as 2013 if all approvals are received and if PPL decides to move forward with Bell Bend.

When will the new unit begin operating?
The unit could be operational in 2018.

What would be done with the spent fuel from the Bell Bend?
The plant would have all of the necessary facilities to store its used fuel safely and securely on-site until the federal government begins taking spent fuel from the nation’s nuclear plants under the terms of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982.

Where would the electricity from Bell Bend go?
Electricity would be sold into the regional power grid, and once on the grid could be available for use by all electric customers in the region.

How would PPL mitigate construction impact on area roads, particularly Route 11?
Would there be a new access road and traffic light?
We are working with state and local government officials to develop plans to alleviate potential traffic issues. Solutions such as a new access road and traffic light will be considered. In addition, construction materials could be brought in by rail to minimize the impact on area roads.

How many permanent jobs would there be at Bell Bend?
About 400.

How many jobs would there be during construction?
At the peak of construction, about 4,000.

How much water would the new unit use? Would it come from the Susquehanna River?
The current Susquehanna nuclear units consume less than 1 percent of the average river flow in the Susquehanna River. Even with addition of a new unit at Bell Bend, the total consumptive use (that water not returned to the river due to evaporation) would continue to be less than 1 percent of the average river flow. Bell Bend would require approval from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission to withdraw and evaporate water from the river. 

How much would the plant cost?
It is anticipated that the plant would cost as much as $15 billion, including escalation, financing costs, initial nuclear fuel, contingencies and reserves.