The Entergy (NYSE:ETR) Indian Point 3 nuclear unit in Buchanan, N.Y., went offline unexpectedly shortly after 7 p.m. on Dec. 14, according to an event report filed with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
The reactor automatically tripped shortly after 7 p.m., according to the report. Indian Point 3 was still listed at zero power early Dec. 15, according to NRC data.
“Site personnel reported seeing arcing on a 345kV output transmission line tower,” according to the report received by NRC. “At the time of the trip, there was moderate rain and fog in the area. The site fire brigade leader investigated the reports of arcing and found no evidence of fire; fire brigade response was not required.”
Unit 2 was not affected and continues to operate at 100% power. The company notified the New York Public Service Commission and the New York Independent System Operator (NY ISO).
Indian Point Units 2 and 3, together generate roughly 2,000 MW of electricity for customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y. Both units are pressurized water reactors (PWRs) commissioned in the 1970s.
Indian Point Units 2 and 3 are continuing to operate while NRC hears challenges to their proposed 20-year license renewals.
