Question & answer session: power to grow.

• Position: Interview

Nuclear plants play a major role in generating electricity in the Carolinas, and that role is likely to grow. Three executives at Carolinas utilities--Dhiaa Jamil, group executive, chief generation officer and chief nuclear officer of Charlotte-based Duke Energy; Jim Scarola, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer of Raleigh-based Progress Energy, and Jeff Archie, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer at S.C. Electric & Gas, the principal subsidiary of Cayce-based SCANA--recently took part in a forum on nuclear generation. Following are their answers, edited for brevity and clarity.

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Characterize the role and importance of nuclear energy in the Carolinas' portfolio of electric generation.

Jamil: Nuclear energy plays a significant role in providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity for Carolinians. In the Duke Energy Carolinas' service area, 50% of the electricity produced comes from the seven nuclear generating units we operate. Nuclear energy is a key factor in our customer rates being below regional and national averages, and it is the only large-scale, carbon-free generating source currently available in our area. Nuclear stations provide thousands of direct and support jobs, as well as significant tax revenue for use in community betterment.

Scarola: Nuclear energy annually accounts for nearly half of the electricity we provide to our customers. It's our best and most efficient means of keeping fuel costs low and reliability high. Not only does a nuclear plant fuel the economy with low-cost, reliable, clean energy, it also provides a significant number of high-paying jobs both at the plants and also the supply chain. In addition, nuclear plants contribute, on average, $20 million through taxes to their respective communities each year. We have also been able to fuel our educational institutions with excellent engineering programs at several public universities across the Carolinas.

Archie: This proven technology started in 1964 when SCE&G and a few other utilities began the commercial operation of Parr Nuclear Station, which became the prototype for other reactors used to generate civilian power. As we add more nuclear energy to our fuel mix, one of the greatest advantages will be the reduction in carbon emissions. But nuclear isn't just good news for the environment, it's good news for the economy. In addition to the current and future jobs...