Susquehanna Unit 1 Reconnected to Power Grid

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Nov 20, 2015, 06:52 ET

BERWICK, Pa., Nov. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Operators at the Susquehanna nuclear power plant reconnected Unit 1 to the regional power grid Thursday night (11/19). The Unit 1 reactor shut down automatically on Nov. 12 during routine and required equipment testing. Plant systems and equipment performed as expected in response to the shutdown, and operators safely completed the shutdown.

A thorough investigation by plant staff determined the reason for the shutdown to be an electrical problem that caused one of the eight large valves that control the flow of steam from the reactor to the turbine-generator to close unexpectedly during the testing.

Workers evaluated, repaired and tested the valve. With the unit shut down, Susquehanna took the opportunity to complete other maintenance tasks that can be done only when the reactor is not operating.

"We made the choice, while the unit was out of service during a period of mild fall weather and lower wholesale power prices, to advance some maintenance tasks we had planned for the refueling outage next spring," said Jon Franke, Susquehanna site vice president. "Completing that work now enhances the unit's reliability for the coming winter, when demand for electricity is increased."

Susquehanna Unit 2 continues to operate safely at full power.

The Susquehanna plant is located in Luzerne County, Pa., about seven miles north of Berwick. It is jointly owned by Susquehanna Nuclear LLC and Allegheny Electric Cooperative, and operated by Susquehanna Nuclear. For information, visit www.susquehannanuclear.com.

Susquehanna Nuclear is one of Talen Energy Corporation's generating affiliates. Talen Energy (NYSE: TLN) is one of the largest competitive energy and wholesale power generation companies in the United States. Our diverse fleet operates in well-developed, structured wholesale power markets. To learn more about us, visit www.talenenergy.com.

Contact: Todd Martin, 750-542-2881

SOURCE Talen Energy Corporation