Nuclear power plant operator alliance gets the go-ahead from DOJ

The Department of Justice has announced that it will not challenge the STARS Alliance, a proposed collaboration between nuclear power plant operators. The Alliance members are: Union Electric Co. (Callaway plant in MO); Arizona Public Service Co. (Palo Verde plant in AZ); Luminant Generation Company LLC (Comanche Peak plant in TX); Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (Diablo Canyon plant in CA); Southern California Edison Co., (San Onofre plant in CA); STP Nuclear Operating Co. (STP plant in TX); and Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Co. (Wolf Creek plant in KS). Membership and participation are voluntary.

The operators propose to share resources, such as personnel and equipment. They will also coordinate best practices such as contingency planning and responses to new post-Fukushima Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements. Excluded from sharing are sensitive pricing or marketing information.

The DOJ highlighted the efficiencies and pro-competitive effects that could result from the Alliance, and concluded that its activities “should not have any adverse effect on competition.”

Full content: DOJ Press Release

Related content: The Goals of Antitrust and Competition Policy

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