The Nuclear Energy Institute, an industry policy-setting organization, has recognized two of PPL Susquehanna’s operational programs for their potential to set standards of excellence for the rest of the industry.

Based on safety, productivity, innovation, cost savings and transferability to other plants, the institute recently honored the Berwick, Pa., nuclear power plant for top industry practices in fuel performance and equipment reliability.

"Both of these programs are major contributors to the safe and reliable operation of our plant," said Herbert D. Woodeshick, special assistant to the president for Susquehanna. "It’s gratifying that the industry is recognizing the quality programs here at Susquehanna. These programs use innovative solutions to address industry-wide challenges."

Susquehanna’s design, fabrication and handling of nuclear fuel has resulted in more than a decade of fuel operation without defect. This accomplishment is responsible for lower radiological dose rates in the plant, improved worker productivity, lower operating costs and the elimination of unplanned outages to replace failed fuel, he said.

Strong generation and record runs over the past three years show the plant’s growing strength in equipment reliability and the success of its preventive maintenance program, according to Woodeshick.

PPL Susquehanna’s preventive maintenance program, which it shares with Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station in Washington state, focuses attention on the components critical for the safe and reliable operation of the plant. This approach to equipment reliability costs less than traditional methods, can be completed in half the time and has a proven track record in preventing automatic shutdowns, unplanned outages and down power events, Woodeshick said.

The Susquehanna plant, located in Luzerne County about seven miles north of Berwick, is owned jointly by PPL Susquehanna LLC and Allegheny Electric Cooperative Inc. and is operated by PPL Susquehanna.

PPL Susquehanna is one of PPL Corporation’s generating facilities. Headquartered in Allentown, Pa., PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) controls about 11,500 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States, sells energy in key U.S. markets and delivers electricity to customers in Pennsylvania, the United Kingdom and Latin America.