Unit 1 at PP&L, Inc.'s Susquehanna nuclear power plant shut down automatically early Thursday morning (7/1) when a valve closed on one of the plant's four main steam lines. This line carries steam from the reactor to the turbines to generate electricity.

"The plant responded as designed to the automatic shutdown," said Herbert D. Woodeshick, special assistant to the president for PP&L, Inc.

Unit 2 at the plant continues to generate electricity, according to Woodeshick.

"Plant personnel are investigating the cause of the valve's closure, and the unit will return to service as soon as any necessary repairs are made," Woodeshick said. "As always, the safe operation of Susquehanna is of paramount importance to us," he said.

The Susquehanna plant, located about five miles north of Berwick in Luzerne County, is jointly owned by PP&L, Inc. and Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc.