We are investigating the feasibility of an uprate at Unit 3, Ken Holt, a Dominion spokesman, told Nuclear Street. We have not made a decision.
– By Stephen Heiser –
Dominion is considering an increase in power level for Millstone Unit 3. Unit 3 is currently rated for 1,227 megawatts. This is the second uprate study Dominion has undertaken since buying the Millstone plant. Currently, Millstone Units 2 and 3 generate a combined output of 2,097 megawatts.
“We are investigating the feasibility of an uprate at Unit 3," Ken Holt, a Dominion spokesman, told Nuclear Street. "We have not made a decision. We can’t comment on the size of the uprate. We will make an announcement if and when we decide to pursue an uprate."
In 2008, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved a seven-percent power uprate at Unit 3. Unit 3 is the newer of the two operating reactors. The past uprate increased the amount of electricity generated at Unit 3 by 80 megawatts, increasing overall output from approximately 1,150 to 1,227 megawatts. Today Millstone generates enough electricity to power half a milllion homes.
Unit 1 began commercial operation in December 1970, and ceased operating in July 1998. It is being decommissioned. Unit 2 began commercial operation in December 1975, and Unit 3 began operating in April 1986. Dominion acquired the station in March 2001.
Millstone is located in southeast Connecticut, three miles west-southwest of New London. The station was named after the site’s historic granite quarry that produced high-quality millstones and structural building granite.
Dominion is a safe, competitive, world-class nuclear operator. Dominion operates Kewaunee Power Station in Carlton, WI, Millstone Power Station in Waterford, CT, North Anna Power Station in Louisa County, VA and Surry Power Station in Surry County, VA. Kewaunee, which joined the Dominion family in 2005, has been providing Wisconsin homes and businesses with reliable, economical electricity for more than 30 years.
Millstone, which joined the Dominion nuclear family in 2001, is building an international reputation for safety, reliability and productivity. North Anna and Surry have set numerous operational and outage performance records and have attracted international attention for their innovative programs, achievements and efficiency.