Dominion Energy on July 1 said the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved its application to extend the operating license for the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in South Carolina for 20 more years.

The 966-megawatt nuclear unit generates enough electricity to power nearly 242,000 homes with its three-loop Westinghouse pressurized water reactor. In addition to Dominion Energy’s customers, the nuclear station provides electricity to Santee Cooper—the state’s largest power and water utility.

“V.C. Summer Nuclear Station has provided reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy for our customers in the Palmetto State for more than 40 years,” said Eric Carr, chief nuclear officer for Dominion Energy. “With steady population growth and economic development, South Carolina will continue to need a clean and reliable workhorse like V.C. Summer to power our customers’ homes and businesses around the clock well into the future.”

The company said V.C. Summer was originally licensed to operate for 40 years through 2022. NRC approved a licensed renewal in 2004, extending operations for through 2042. The second renewed license, approved June 30, extends operations through 2062.

“To ensure V.C. Summer’s longevity, Dominion Energy regularly performs maintenance and conducts upgrades at the station, including recently replacing the main transformer,” the company said. “Dominion Energy will continue to invest in V.C. Summer to ensure it operates at the highest levels of safety and performance for the life of the station.”

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