Xcel shuts down nuclear generator at Prairie Island after 'unusual event'

Jun 01, 20230

Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune count

Xcel Energy said it plans to bring the Prairie Island nuclear generator that was shut down over the weekend back online later this week. Prairie Island's other unit has continued operating, and Xcel said electric service won't be affected by the shutdown.

One of Xcel Energy's two Prairie Island nuclear generators remains shut down after the company reported an "unusual event" Saturday to federal nuclear regulators.

Multiple fire alarms - which were not verified as false alarms within the required 15 minutes - went off in a reactor containment building, triggering the unusual event declaration.

There was no fire, and no threat to the public or plant workers, Xcel said in a notification to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

https://www.startribune.com/xcel-shuts-down-nuclear-generator-at-prairie-island-after-unusual-event/600279054/