Unit 1 at the Susquehanna nuclear plant near Berwick marked one year of continuous operation on Wednesday (3/18)-- the second longest stretch of continuous operation in its nearly 15-year history.

"More than a year of continuous safe operation for a generating plant of this size and complexity is quite an achievement, regardless of its fuel source," said Herbert D. Woodeshick, special assistant to the president of PP&L, Inc., operator of the plant. "It's a tribute to the personnel at the plant who maintain and operate it."

During the 365-day run, Unit 1 generated 9.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, Woodeshick said.

The unit last was shut down in February 1997 when maintenance work in the vicinity of an electronics panel affected the panel and the system it controls. At that time, repairs and maintenance tasks that can only be done while the unit is shut down were performed.

As of Wednesday (3/18), Unit 2 at the plant had operated continuously for 174 days.

"Safe, reliable operation of the Susquehanna plant is our top priority," Woodeshick added. "Long runs happen because we assure safety of operation. The current stretch of continuous safe operation of Unit 1 is an example ofour commitment to that priority."

The Susquehanna plant, jointly owned by PP&L, Inc. and AlleghenyElectric Cooperative Inc., is located about five miles northeast of Berwick along Route 11.