BERWICK, Pa., March 4, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Operators at the Susquehanna nuclear power plant, a wholly owned subsidiary of Talen Energy Corporation, disconnected the Unit 2 reactor from the electrical grid early Saturday, March 4, 2017 to begin a scheduled refueling and maintenance outage.
While the reactor is shut down, Susquehanna's nuclear professionals will maintain their primary focus on safety, while replacing approximately one third of the unit's fuel. "Our continued investment in Susquehanna ensures safe and reliable electricity generation for our customers," said Timothy Rausch, Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer. "We have developed a comprehensive plan to upgrade essential equipment and perform thousands of necessary maintenance activities to build on our track record of operational excellence."
In order to complete the work in Susquehanna's outage plan, the company has made a substantial investment in our local economy by procuring goods and services from area suppliers. Additionally, Susquehanna hired more than 1,800 supplemental employees who will be making significant expenditures on lodging, food and entertainment in the region.
Talen Energy's Susquehanna nuclear schedules refueling and maintenance outages at this time of year, when seasonal temperatures typically drive lower regional power demand and lower electricity prices. Each of the two units at the Susquehanna plant is taken out of service for refueling and maintenance every 24 months.
Unit 1 continues to operate at full power.
The Susquehanna plant, located about seven miles north of Berwick, is owned jointly by Susquehanna Nuclear LLC and Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc. and is operated by Susquehanna Nuclear. For information, visit www.susquehannanuclear.com.
Susquehanna Nuclear LLC is one of Talen Energy's generating affiliates. Talen Energy is one of the largest competitive energy and power generation companies in the United States. Our diverse generating fleet operates in well-developed, structured wholesale power markets. To learn more about us, visit www.talenenergy.com.
Media Contact: Todd Martin 570-542-2881
SOURCE Susquehanna Nuclear LLC