Pilgrim Returns to Full Power After Unplanned Shutdown

COURTESY PILGRIM NUCLEAR POWER STATION

PLYMOUTH – The Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth returned to 100 percent power early this morning after the plant was forced to shut down two weeks ago.

According to a press release from station officials, Pilgrim was re-connected to the grid on Saturday and returned to full power at 2:39 a.m. Monday.

The station experienced an unplanned shutdown on September 5 when a regulating valve problem resulted in a high water level. Plant officials repaired the valve while the station was off-line and also conducted additional maintenance on three other valves and a turning gear in the main turbine.

“Our priority focus at Pilgrim Station is always safety,” said John Dent, the station’s Vice President. “Our operators followed detailed procedures to shut the plant down safely, and we used conservative decision-making to complete the work needed for future safe and reliable operation.”

The issue was the latest equipment problem at the troubled plant, which is ranked as one of the three worst performing stations in the country by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Pilgrim’s safety rating was downgraded by the NRC last year following a series of unplanned shutdowns and is subject to additional oversight by federal inspectors.

Pilgrim is scheduled to close down by 2019. Plant owner Entergy says the station is no longer financially viable.