Archie Muckenfuss isn't your average utility consumer. He's a petroleum equipment manager and knows that saving energy will save him money. The Lexington man is aware of the annual rate hikes SCE&G is charging customers to build two nuclear reactors. Muckenfuss doesn't mind the increase as long as the company has looked into every efficient option.

"We shouldn't be paying for something unless there is a true product in a realistic plan," says Muckenfuss.

"Unfortunately it's not like building a mini-mart. You have to plan years in advance," says Robert Yanity with SCANA, SCE&G's parent company.

Yanity says nuclear is the best option for South Carolina because projections show by 2016 the state will need enough power for nearly two million people. However opponents say SCE&G didn't consider cheaper and safer alternatives.

According to a recent study, In the 1970's and 80's nuclear-industry bailouts cost taxpayers more than $300-billion. Customers could be picking up the nuclear utility tab in the future; because the government accountability office says in 2008 the average risk of default on department of energy guarantees was about 50 percent.

"Nuclear power in our minds is the best option," says Yanity.

However Muckenfuss says, "Your basic consumer is not going to know that."

SCE&G hopes to have the first plant online by 2016, pending federal approval. Yanity says the plant will create thousands of jobs.  People who are looking for current construction work can visit the Winnsboro Workforce Center In Winnsboro.