(Photo courtesy of Duke Energy)

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has renewed the operating licenses for Duke Energy’s Oconee Nuclear Station for an additional 20 years. 

The approval of its subsequent, or second, renewed licenses enables Oconee, located in Seneca, South Carolina, to operate through 2053 and 2054, supporting the company’s “all of the above” strategy to deliver a path to cleaner energy while protecting reliability and affordability for customers as regional electricity demand continues to grow.

Company officials say nuclear generation is a vital part of Duke Energy’s generation portfolio and is the only clean energy source that is always on and available 24 hours a day.

“Affordable and reliable energy is the key to South Carolina's continued economic prosperity, and nuclear power must play a key role as we work to shape our energy future," said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.

The governor added, “The approval to extend Oconee Nuclear Station's operations for another 20 years is a critical step in ensuring South Carolina's energy generation keeps pace with our rapid development.”

Oconee is the first of Duke Energy’s nuclear facilities to reach the significant milestone of extending its license and receiving approval to operate for 80 years.

Duke Energy officials say they are working toward extending the life of all of the company’s existing nuclear units, with plans to submit a license renewal application for Robinson Nuclear Plant in Hartsville, South Carolina in April of this year.

Company officials say they invest heavily in maintenance and upgrades at its nuclear facilities to ensure they can operate through midcentury.

At Oconee, the company has replaced its reactor vessel heads, steam generators, turbines, transformers, pumps, valves and other equipment to support longevity.

In 2024, Oconee added a combined 45 megawatts by implementing power uprate improvement projects on all three units. 

Nuclear energy has provided electricity to Duke Energy’s Carolinas customers for more than 50 years.

In 2024, its six plants provided more than 50 percent of Carolinas customers’ electricity and more than 96 percent of the company’s clean energy.

Company officials say Duke Energy's nuclear sites benefit customers and communities by reliably generating large amounts of electricity with low operating costs, while also providing thousands of well-paying jobs and producing economic and tax benefits for local communities.

The federal nuclear production tax credit incentivizes the company’s existing plants, like Oconee, to operate as cost-efficiently as possible, further lowering the cost of nuclear energy for customers, the officials said. 

“Approval to extend Oconee Nuclear Station’s licenses is a significant milestone for Duke Energy and provides significant learnings to use in completing license applications for our other plants,” said Duke Energy Chief Nuclear Officer Kelvin Henderson.

Henderson added, “As we address growth, modernize the fleet and invest in cleaner technologies, subsequent license renewal helps ensure nuclear energy continues to be a vital part of Duke Energy’s generation portfolio.”  

U.S. nuclear facilities are licensed by the NRC and were originally licensed to operate for 40 years based on economic considerations, not limitations of the technology.

The process to renew a license for an additional 20 years requires a comprehensive analysis and evaluation to ensure the plant can safely be operated for the period of extended operation.

All Duke Energy nuclear plants have received initial license renewal to achieve up to 60 years of operation. Subsequent license renewal allows up to 80 years of operation.

* Oconee’s original 40-year license: 1973/1974-2013/2014

* Oconee’s 20-year license renewal: 2013/2014-2033/2034

* Oconee’s subsequent 20-year license renewal: 2033/2034-2053/2054. 

 

Greenville, South Carolina-based ClearWater Solutions (CWS) has been contracted by Medical Properties Trust (MPT), a global provider of capital to hospitals, to operate MPT’s water system at its corporate headquarters facility under construction in Birmingham, AL.

To become fully familiarized with the system before it comes online, ClearWater was engaged at the onset of the construction.

 

The water system of the environmentally friendly facility will be only the second of its kind in the state of Alabama.

The system will recycle rainwater to meet potable water standards, requiring an Alabama Class IV operator to ensure the system is performing successfully.

MPT’s entire project will achieve LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Celebrating its 18th year, CWS partners with municipalities and private entities such as Medical Properties Trust, to provide quality operations, management, and maintenance services for water and wastewater systems.

“We are extremely honored to have been selected by one of the world’s most recognized hospital ownership groups to support their new corporate headquarters,” said Paul Quentel, CEO of ClearWater Solutions.

Quentel added, “Both of our companies recognize the importance of being good stewards of our water resources, and we are working to minimize the impact on the environment.”

 

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index declined for the third consecutive month in March, dipping 3.3 points to 97.4, according to Wells Fargo economists, and although optimism remains above its level preceding the 2024 election, the index is now back below its historical average.

The economists said small firms’ economic outlooks continue to deteriorate, with dimming economic perceptions and worsening sales expectations as the driving force behind March’s decline.

They said labor quality remained small firms’ top reported problem as the worsening macroeconomic backdrop spurred a retrenchment in hiring plans.

There was little evidence that tariff policy produced an increase in prices in March, the economists said.

However, the percentage of firms planning to raise prices over the next few months reached the highest share in 12 months.

 

If you’re worried about your individual income tax bill, don’t panic. The South Carolina Department of Revenue has tips to help no matter where you are in the process.

Not filing a return won’t make your anticipated tax bill go away. In fact, filing on time will reduce the amount of penalty and interest you will owe.

If you can’t pay the full amount you owe, you should still file on time and pay as much as you can by the filing deadline.

However, if you’re considering a payment plan with the SCDOR, don’t enter your bank account information on your return. If you do, the SCDOR will debit the full amount you owe from your account on the payment date you select.

You may be eligible to enter into a payment plan with the SCDOR. To qualify for the payment plan, you must:

* not have an active levy or garnishment with the SCDOR

* have an eligible bank account, and

* first receive an SCDOR notice showing you owe a balance.

However, the SCDOR encourages you to research and compare your options. A loan from a third party may offer a lower interest rate and allow you to pay off your debt sooner. 

Before you file next year’s return, take steps to avoid another large bill.

Check your withholding. Large tax bills are often the result of not having the correct amount of taxes withheld from your paycheck.

Employers use your SC W-4 to determine how much state income tax to withhold. Make sure your SC W-4 form is up-to-date, especially if you’ve had a major lifestyle or income change. 

Review your pay stub to ensure your employer is withholding the correct amount from your paycheck based on your SC W-4. 

If necessary, submit a new SC W-4 to adjust your withholding amount.

Consider making estimated payments throughout the next tax year. This is especially important for self-employed individuals, contract workers, and workers who don’t have taxes withheld.

If you owe at least $100 on your individual income tax return, but you don’t make estimated payments, you may be charged a penalty, even if you pay your full balance due by the deadline.

 

Haven't filed your return yet? 

Go to dor.sc.gov/iit to get started.

Due to relief granted in the wake of Hurricane Helene, South Carolina returns are due May 1, 2025, along with any balance due.

 

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