John Dobken, Public Affairs, 509-377-8369
Anna Markham, Public Affairs, 509-377-8162
RICHLAND, Wash. – Columbia
Generating Station went off line at approximately 7:00 a.m. after the main
power transformers automatically disconnected from the grid. The reactor was safely
shut down and the cause of the disconnect is under investigation.
Columbia responded
as designed and the plant is stable. All systems are operating as expected and
there is no threat to public health or safety.
“We are working now to thoroughly understand
the issues involved and look forward to returning to full-power,” said Dave
Brown, plant general manager.
Columbia Generating
Station, owned and operated by Energy Northwest, with 1,207 megawatts of gross
capacity, is the third largest generator of electricity in Washington state.
All of its electricity is sold at-cost to the Bonneville Power Administration,
and 92 Northwest utilities receive a percentage of its output. The facility is
located 10 miles north of Richland, Wash.
About Energy Northwest
Energy Northwest develops, owns and operates a diverse mix of electricity generating resources, including hydro, solar and wind projects – and the Northwest’s only nuclear energy facility. These projects provide enough reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy to power more than a million homes each year, and that carbon-free electricity is provided at the cost of generation. As a Washington state, joint action agency, Energy Northwest comprises 27 public power member utilities from across the state serving more than 1.5 million ratepayers. The agency continually explores new generation projects to meet its members’ needs.
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