Electrical Issue Forces Limerick Nuclear Plant Offline

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--After several days of troubleshooting and inspection of various turbine components, Exelon Generation Company LLC's Limerick nuclear power plant has determined that the main cause of the 1,139-megawatt (MW) Unit 3's removal was due to a transformer malfunction, a plant official said. Engineers are working to replace the defective component with a spare transformer. The unit was taken offline Friday morning, February 1, 2008. Officials hope to have the transformer replaced and the unit reconnected to the grid this week.

The Limerick generating station is in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The station draws its cooling water from the Schuylkill River and began commercial operation in 1984. Each unit is capable of generating nearly 1,200 MW and combined can produce enough power to supply the electrical needs of more than 2 million homes.

Exelon Generation is one of the nation's largest electric utilities with more than $15 billion in annual revenues. It distributes electricity to approximately 5.2 million customers in Illinois and Pennsylvania. Exelon's operations include energy generation and power marketing.

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