Turbine likely behind fire at Michigan nuclear plant
MICHIGAN - Officials at American Electric Power Co. say they know the cause of a fire that led to a shutdown of one of two reactors at the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant in southwestern Michigan.
The utility says the fire in Unit 1 of the plant in Berrien County's Lake Township began when turbine vibrations caused a generator to leak hydrogen that ignited.
The Columbus, Ohio-based utility says fire damage is minimal but the vibrations more seriously damaged turbines, bearing supports and some steam piping.
An imbalance from the loss of turbine rotor blades probably caused the vibrations.
It will take one to three weeks to complete turbine inspections, then officials will have a better idea of when they can restart the reactor.
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BC Hydro hoping to be able to charge customers time of use rates
VANCOUVER - BC Hydro is looking to charge customers less for electricity during off peak hours and more during the busiest times of the day.
The BC Utilities Commission is currently reviewing the application that if approved would see customers receive a credit of 5 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity used from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Customers would be charged an additional 5 cents per kWh for electricity used during the on-peak period from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There would be no credit or additional charge will be applied to usage during the off-peak period from 7 a.m. to 4…
