BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This morning at
midnight ET, operators at the Edwin
I. Hatch Electric Generating Plant safely took Unit 2 offline for a
planned refueling and maintenance outage.
The last refueling outage for Unit 2 was completed in spring
2015. Each unit at Plant Hatch requires new fuel every 24 months.
In addition to refueling the reactor and performing regular
maintenance and testing, workers will make upgrades to plant
systems and components.
"Safety is our number one focus and priority during the outage,"
said Plant Hatch Vice President David
Vineyard. "The key to a safe and successful outage is our
outstanding employees and supporting partners. I am proud of the
preparations we have made and our entire team is ready to
accomplish this refueling outage safely using our expertise and
teamwork."
Employees from across the Southern Nuclear fleet are assisting
Plant Hatch's staff of more than 900 in the refueling effort. More
than 800 additional workers from General Electric, Day and
Zimmerman, and other partners are on site performing specialized
tasks. This supplemental workforce provides economic stimulus to
surrounding communities during the planning stages and throughout
the outage.
Plant Hatch Unit 1 will continue to safely generate electricity
while Unit 2 is offline and refueling.
About Southern Nuclear:
Southern Nuclear, a
subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), is a leader among the
nation's nuclear energy facility operators and an innovator in
advanced nuclear technologies. Southern Nuclear is an essential
part of Southern Company's energy portfolio, and its importance
will continue to grow as America transitions to a low-carbon energy
future. While the company produces clean, safe and reliable nuclear
energy, it's also an economic engine powered by quality jobs and
community service. Southern Nuclear operates a total of six units
for Alabama Power and Georgia Power at the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear
Plant near Dothan, Ala.; the Edwin
I. Hatch Nuclear Plant near Baxley,
Ga.; and the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant near
Waynesboro, Ga. Southern Nuclear
is the licensee of two new nuclear units currently under
construction at Plant Vogtle that are among the first nuclear units
being constructed in the United
States in more than 30 years. Southern Nuclear received
numerous accolades in 2016 for leadership in the advancement of
nuclear energy including the Special Achievement Award by the
United States Nuclear Infrastructure Council and the Presidential
Citation by the American Nuclear Society. Southern Nuclear also
received two of the Nuclear Energy Institute's Top Innovative
Practice awards and special recognition for achieving excellence in
research and performance. Southern Nuclear's Plant Hatch received
the ANS Operations & Power Division's Utility Achievement Award
for plant improvements that resulted in a record-setting refueling
outage duration. The company's headquarters is in Birmingham, Ala.
Twitter: @SouthernNuclear; Facebook: facebook.com/southernnuclear;
www.southernnuclear.com
About Southern Company:
Southern Company (NYSE: SO)
is America's premier energy company, with 44,000 MW of generating
capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas
consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million electric and
gas utility customers through its subsidiaries. The company
provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through
electric utilities in four states, natural gas distribution
utilities in seven states, a competitive generation company serving
wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized
provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics
and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for
excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices
that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading
commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are
inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio
of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century
coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating
new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern
Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and
G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military
employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by
DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40
Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for
Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National
Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic
Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear
development and is continually ranked among the top utilities in
Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility
rankings. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com.
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SOURCE Southern Company