Watts Bar Unit 2 Temporary Contractor Layoffs

October 18, 2011

TVA is working to build a high quality nuclear generating unit that will operate safely and reliably for many years to come in support of our vision of being one of the nation's leading providers of low-cost and cleaner energy by 2020. Part of TVA's efforts to improve work performance at Watts Bar Unit 2 includes changes to the contract with the project's prime contractor, Bechtel Power Corporation.

"As we announced this past summer, the pace of construction at Watts Bar Unit 2 has been slower than originally planned for the aggressive five-year project," said Mike Skaggs, TVA senior vice president of Nuclear Generation Development and Construction.

"Therefore, TVA has been evaluating the best path forward to efficiently complete the project with a primary focus on safety, quality and cost. The company is taking a deliberate approach in the review and development of the overall construction and licensing schedule."

As that review is performed, the number of temporary construction workers on the project is being reduced. About 600 craft workers and 200 support staff, most employed by Bechtel or Day & Zimmermann, will be reduced in force in the near future.

Having fewer workers on the project will help TVA and contract partners better manage the work to complete the construction, start-up testing and transition to commercial operation while controlling costs. The unit is scheduled to come online in 2013.

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