I just checked the NRC.gov site. Today there are six reators at 0% for refueling. In the previous three years on this date there have been at least 12 reactors down for refueling. Are there reasons for half as many being down this year?

There's a couple of other issues: Limerick 1 has been coasting down since 1/19 and is still at 96%, it should be down to about 80%. Browns Ferry 1 has been refueling since 11/1, normal time is 20 - 50 days. Cook 1 has been down since 9/1 for refueling.

My local reactor Monticello was supposed to be back up and running this week. It is still down. The plant offered no explanation when I asked them today.

I'd like to know if there are any Y2K control problems.

-- John (littmannj@aol.com), February 25, 2000

Answers

John,

My Brother-in-Law works at Browns Ferry. Since about October of last year, they have had a "gag" place on them as to what they could talk about. I do know that he is working 12 hour shifts right now. He was pulled from his "new" position back into the plant to perform the old duties that he had done for years. I can't really go into more detail at the moment about what he does, but after speaking with my sister tonight, it does make me wonder... I'll update if/when I know anything more.

-- (Sheeple@Greener.Pastures), February 26, 2000.

Forget the dramatics, sheeple, Browns Ferry has been preparing to restart Unit 1 for months now. The actual start up will never take place in my opinion, though. Other power generation is planned for the surrounding area, which will make the restart unprofitable. You heard it here first, now go try to be important somewhere else.

-- Hap N. Too-be (inthe@know.org), February 26, 2000.