Santee Cooper Approves MOU with Brookfield Asset Management to Proceed with Feasibility Study

Core Points - Santee Cooper's Board of Directors approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Brookfield Asset Management to explore the feasibility of completing two partially built AP1000 nuclear units [1] - The deal includes a cash payment of $2.7 billion to Santee Cooper upon reaching Final Investment Decision (FID) and a targeted 25% ownership share for Santee Cooper once the units commence commercial operation [2][3] - The completion of the units is expected to generate over 2,000 megawatts of reliable, carbon-free electricity, contributing to South Carolina's energy portfolio and economic growth [3][5] Financial and Economic Implications - The cash payment is aimed at significantly reducing the debt burden on Santee Cooper's customers, while the future electric capacity from the units will incur no additional capital costs [3] - The project is anticipated to create thousands of temporary construction jobs and hundreds of permanent operational jobs, enhancing grid reliability and attracting new industries to South Carolina [5] Project Timeline and Oversight - The MOU establishes a feasibility period of 18 to 24 months leading to the FID, with Brookfield required to meet specific milestones and provide monthly progress reports [3][7] - A Feasibility Committee, consisting of members from both Santee Cooper and Brookfield, will oversee the diligence process and evaluate the project's feasibility [7] Community and Workforce Development - Brookfield is tasked with developing an economic development plan that emphasizes the use of South Carolina companies and labor, partnerships with educational institutions, and workforce development initiatives [7]