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BERWICK, Pa., June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Unit 2 at PPL's Susquehanna nuclear power plant resumed generating electricity for the regional electric grid on Wednesday (6/5) following a successful refueling and maintenance outage that included extensive inspections and plant improvements.

"The major investments we made and continue to make during refueling outages reflect our long-term commitment to the safe and reliable operation of the plant," said Timothy S. Rausch, senior vice president and Chief Nuclear Officer for PPL Susquehanna.

"There is a tremendous amount of work that takes place during a refueling and maintenance outage," Rausch said. "Planning begins at least a year in advance, and the outage itself transforms the site and offers a significant boost to the local economy."

PPL employees and more than 1,000 supplemental workers replaced about 40 percent of the Unit 2 reactor fuel during the outage. They performed extensive inspections and testing of plant equipment, systems and technology. They inspected and replaced several pieces of the unit's turbine assembly, making improvements that address turbine blade issues that have affected the plant in recent years. In addition, crews replaced a 24-ton motor and pump that helps circulate coolant water through the reactor. PPL continually invests in plant equipment to keep Susquehanna in excellent material condition.

Unit 1 was disconnected from the grid May 9 so workers could make modifications to its turbine assembly. The modifications are near completion and the unit is expected to be restarted in the near future.

"We thank area residents for their continued support and we appreciate the local businesses that provide services to the plant," Rausch 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 LLC is one of PPL Corporation's generating affiliates. PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), with annual revenue of more than $12 billion, is one of the largest companies in the U.S. utility sector. The PPL family of companies delivers electricity and natural gas to about 10 million customers in the United States and the United Kingdom, owns more than 18,000 megawatts of generating capacity in the United States and sells energy in key U.S. markets. More information is available at www.pplsusquehanna.com  and www.pplweb.com.  

SOURCE PPL Susquehanna