17 December 2008 -- After a two-year review, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved Progress Energy's request to extend the operating license of the 900 MW, pressurized water reactor Harris Nuclear Plant through 2046. The Harris Nuclear Plant is jointly owned by Progress Energy and the N.C. Eastern Municipal Power Agency.

Harris began commercial operation in 1987. Its original license was set to expire in 2026. Progress Energy submitted its application for the extension in November 2006.

Harris is the third Progress Energy nuclear plant to receive a renewed operating license. In April 2004, the NRC approved the renewal of the operating license for the company's H.B. Robinson Nuclear Plant near Hartsville, S.C., through July 2030. In June 2006, the NRC approved the renewal of the operating license for the Brunswick Nuclear Plant near Southport, N.C., through 2034 and 2036 for that plant's two nuclear units. Progress Energy is planning to file for a renewed operating license for its Crystal River Nuclear Plant near Crystal River, Fla., this month.