Cook Nuclear Plant To Thaw Ice In Unit 1 Ice Condenser To Facilitate Work

March 19, 1998•News Release

BRIDGMAN, Mich., March 17, 1998 -- Nuclear Generation Group officials of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) announced today they will thaw all the ice in the Unit 1 ice condenser system to facilitate ice basket repair, weighing, and continuing inspections of ice condenser systems. Previously, the ice baskets were being individually emptied for repair and inspection. The inspection of approximately 100 baskets to date found baskets containing debris encased in the ice. This warranted further inspection of additional ice baskets, and the decision was made to thaw the ice in support of the effort. "Based on the results of these inspections, this is the right thing to do," said Gene Fitzpatrick, executive vice president-nuclear generation. "Completely thawing the ice allows direct access for basket inspection and repair and ensures there is no question about ice weight or debris." A decision on whether or not to thaw the ice in the Unit 2 ice condenser system has not been made. Detailed plans and procedures for the ice condenser work are under development. The purpose of an ice condenser is to absorb rapidly the thermal energy released to the containment in the event of a loss of coolant accident or steam line break in order to reduce pressure in the containment building. The ice condensers also must provide water for long-term cooling. There are more than 2.5 million pounds of ice held in 1,944 48-foot-long cylindrical baskets in each of the two units. The units have been off-line since Sept. 9, 1997, when plant personnel questioned whether plant systems used to cool the reactor and containment during a postulated accident would function on a long-term basis. On Sept. 19, 1997, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a Confirmatory Action Letter which detailed the issues raised during an August 1997 NRC design inspection. A planned refueling of Unit 2 was completed during the shutdown. AEP is meeting the electrical needs of its customers through reserve capacity of other generating units. Cook Nuclear Plant constitutes 10 percent of AEP's total capacity. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 2.9 million customers in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom and China. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, consulting and management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio.

For More Information, Contact: William Schalk Communications Manager American Electric Power Cook Nuclear Plant 616/465-6101

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