Corporate Report

The Florida Public Service Commission approved St. Petersburg-based Progress Energy Florida's plans to build two advanced nuclear power plants in Levy County.

Progress Energy Florida emphasized it has not yet decided to build the plants, but that the commission's approval makes construction a more viable option.

"Carbon-free nuclear power is a strategic asset in our statewide effort to become energy-independent, to reduce our reliance on more volatile-priced fossil fuels, and to provide a balanced approach to meet the challenges of growth and climate change," Jeff Lyash, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida, said in a press release. "Our balanced approach to meeting future demand includes expanded energy-efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technology and state-of-the-art generating plants."