Prior to 2008, when was the last time new nuclear reactors were ordered by US utility companies?

The last time new nuclear reactors were ordered by U.S. utility companies before 2008 was indeed in 1978. This period was characterized by significant regulatory and market shifts that affected the nuclear power industry. Following the Three Mile Island incident in 1979, there was a substantial decrease in public and investor confidence in nuclear energy, leading to a stagnation in new reactor construction and orders. Therefore, the year 1978 is pivotal not only as a reference point for new orders but also as a marker of the transition in nuclear policy and public perception in the United States. This context helps to understand the historical landscape of nuclear energy development prior to the resurgence of interest in nuclear power in the 21st century.