Survey says state regulators like nuclear power

[Looks like nuclear energy is improving its position with state utility regulators.]

http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_article/371541/6/ARTCL/none/none/1/Survey-says-state-regulators-like-nuclear-power/

4 December 2009-- A survey says that U.S. state utility regulators prefer nuclear power over any other source.

Between August and October RKS Research and Consulting polled 97 state utility commissioners and 10 regulatory commission professional staffers across 52 jurisdictions about electric and natural gas issues. The results show that 35 percent of regulators chose nuclear power as a source that balances low energy costs and environmental impact. Natural gas was preferred by 18 percent of those polled, wind by 16 percent and coal by 8 percent. One in ten polled said they were unsure.

The survey also found regulators willing to permit utilities to contract directly with natural gas providers for their fuel. Around two-thirds of regulators said they strongly support the need for new ratemaking methodologies.