Seabrook Facility Completes Refueling Cycle

New Hampshire Seabrook station resumed full operations early Monday morning after a planned refueling period that ended last week. The plant is on an 18-month refueling cycle and last finished refueling in November of 2006.

During the 12th refueling period, workers replaced 84 out of 193 uranium fuel assemblies in the reactor and conducted over 2,000 planned maintenance activities. The refueling About 900 additional contract workers were brought in to conduct the work during the refueling period.

The refueling period allows for the facility to undergo safety checks such as testing welds and piping networks. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission stated that over the last fuel cycle, the station operated safely. Recently at its annual performance assessment held at the Seabrook Town Hall in March, Site Vice President Gene St. Pierre said, "We've demonstrated our commitment to safety and
operational excellence, and we're proud of our record of service and our support for the region."

The facility just won the 2008 Exeter Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award, recognizing the plant for contributions to the community, acting as a role model for other businesses, and good business practices.

The plant began commercial operations in August of 1990. Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) acquired a majority stake in the facility in 2002 and now owns the energy plant. When at full capacity, the plant produces about 1,244 megawatts of electricity, enough to power nearly 1 million businesses and homes.