Another Unplanned Outage at Indian Point 3

Indian Point’s Unit 3 nuclear power plant automatically shut down around 7 p.m. Monday as a result of an electrical disturbance on the non-nuclear side of the plant, Entergy officials said.

The disturbance caused the main electrical generator and reactor to shut down automatically and safely, as designed.

Initial indications are that the electrical disturbance is related to a high voltage transmission line that carries electricity from Unit 3 to an offsite electrical switchyard, officials said. Engineers will investigate to determine the precise cause. There was no release of radioactivity and no threat to the safety of workers or the public.

Most of the unplanned outages have happened in Unit 3.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued this statement:

“At approximately 7:00 pm, Unit 3 at the Indian Point nuclear facility shut down. The cause is currently unknown, but I immediately directed the Department of Public Service to commence an investigation into another unexpected incident at Indian Point. The company reports there was no radioactivity released to the environment.

“Because of the number of recent unplanned outages, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s requirements will result in increased inspections and scrutiny of the plant. A thorough investigation of this shutdown is underway and we will make sure the safety of New Yorkers is not compromised.”

SEE: 5 Mishaps in 2015: Proof Indian Point Must Close, Says Riverkeeper