Fee estimates for operating reactors are based on completed historical actions, and actual costs for future applications may vary depending on specific circumstances. The NRC remains committed to fulfilling its safety mission in a timely and cost ‑ effective manner. Efficiencies gained from past actions are expected to help reduce costs for future applicants. The NRC encourages licensees and applicants to participate in pre ‑ application activities with NRC staff. These interactions help build a mutual understanding of the regulatory process, support schedule alignment, and allow potential technical challenges to be identified and addressed before an application is submitted.
In the Fiscal Year 2026 final fee rule, the NRC established fixed caps on service fees for requested activities of the Commission that involve the issuance of a final safety evaluation, consistent with NEIMA and to implement Section 5(a) of EO 14300. The fixed fee cap requirements are in Section 170.33 of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations (10 CFR), and 10 CFR 170.3 contains applicable definitions. In August 2026, the NRC issued an Office Instruction, Establishment and Management of Fixed Fee Caps , which provides the staff with detailed processes for establishing, communicating, and managing fixed fee caps and includes potential examples of actions or inaction that may lead to applicant failure.