Department of Energy Awards First Civil Nuclear Credit Payment to California Power Plant

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Pacific Gas and Electric $271 million to help support Diablo Canyon Power Plant’s extended operations.  A win for President Trump’s energy agenda, funding will allow the power plant to continue to provide secure power to residents, while keeping thousands of high-paying jobs in the region. 

In April, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved 20-year license extensions on the power plant’s two reactors.  

“Keeping Diablo Canyon online is critical to meeting California’s growing demand for affordable, reliable, and secure electricity,” said Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish. “The Civil Nuclear Credit Program is helping preserve this vital source of baseload power and ensuring that we don’t prematurely take reliable generation off the grid. The Department of Energy is committed to unleashing American nuclear energy and keeping facilities like Diablo Canyon operating safely and reliably for the American people.” 

Diablo Canyon Power Plant provides nearly ten percent of California’s power generation, and its two units were originally scheduled to cease commercial operations by 2025. The power plant was able to stay open thanks to the Civil Nuclear Credit Program, which was created to provide strategic investments to preserve the nation’s existing nuclear fleet and protect high-paying American jobs. 

Under the program, Pacific Gas and Electric is eligible to receive up to $1.1 billion to support activities necessary to keep Diablo Canyon operating. Funds can be used to help cover the cost of reactor component replacements, equipment upgrades, and fuel procurement, or address unforeseen costs associated with extending the plant’s operations and maintaining continued service. 

Learn more about the Civil Nuclear Credit Program.