BERWICK, Pa., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PPL is seeking U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval to renew the operating licenses for the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in Luzerne County, Pa., for an additional 20 years.
The NRC has accepted PPL's application and is starting the formal review process after confirming that the 2,000-page application provides the information needed to begin a detailed technical review. During the review process, which is expected to take two to three years, the NRC will provide many opportunities for public input.
"The power plant has been a vital part of the community and the local economy for more than 20 years," said Lou Ramos, community relations manager for the Susquehanna plant. "It produces electricity reliably and safely, is one of the area's largest employers and generates millions of dollars in state and local tax revenue."
In 2005, the Susquehanna plant generated 18 million megawatt-hours, which is enough electricity to supply about 1.8 million homes. Susquehanna produced about 8 percent of all electricity generated in Pennsylvania last year. The plant has set records for power generated in five of the last six years.
"The plant's safety and reliability are a result of the hard work and dedication of plant employees and the ongoing investments PPL makes in plant systems and equipment," Ramos said. "Susquehanna is well-maintained and well-operated, and we hope to remain an important part of the community for many years to come."
The two reactors at the Susquehanna plant are operating under the original 40-year licenses approved by the NRC in 1982 for Unit 1 and 1984 for Unit 2. PPL's request seeks to extend the licenses until 2042 for Unit 1 and 2044 for Unit 2.
Concurrently, PPL has submitted a request to the NRC to increase the amount of electricity the Susquehanna plant can generate. The NRC also will be conducting a thorough technical review of that request, which is expected to take at least 12 months.
The Susquehanna plant, located in Luzerne County about seven miles north of Berwick, is owned jointly by PPL Susquehanna LLC and Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc. and is operated by PPL Susquehanna.
PPL Corporation
CONTACT: Lou Ramos, PPL Corporation, +1-570-759-2285
