Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. has joined a group of four utilities studying the possible use of nuclear fuel that contains a mix of uranium and plutonium.

The utilities are looking at the federal Department of Energy's mixed-oxide fuel program which could help reduce the government's excess supply of plutonium from the weapons program. Currently, nuclear power plants like PP&L's Susquehanna plant use enriched uranium alone, said Herbert D. Woodeshick, PP&L's special assistant to the president for Susquehanna.

"At this time, PP&L has not made a decision to use the mixed- oxide fuel nor has the DOE made a decision to pursue a mixed-oxide fuel program," Woodeshick said. "PP&L joined the consortium in mid-July in order to gain an understanding of the issues."

The DOE contacted utilities with operating nuclear plants last January to determine if there was interest in such a program, he noted. "At that time, we did not submit a formal 'expression of interest' to the DOE, but requested that PP&L be kept informed about the program.

"Although there could be a potential economic benefit for PP&L's customers and shareowners," Woodeshick said, "it is too early in the DOE's development of the program to have the information necessary to make an informed decision about participation. Through the consortium, we will thoroughly evaluate the program as the DOE's direction and requirements become better defined.

"PP&L is committed to the safe operation of the Susquehanna plant and to ensuring that it continues to be a good neighbor in the community," Woodeshick added. "Before any decision to use mixed-oxide fuel is made, we would discuss the issue with customers and Susquehanna plant-area residents."

The Susquehanna plant, located along Route 11 north of Berwick, is jointly owned by PP&L and Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc.