Calvert Cliffs reactor back on line after shutdown

Associated Press//March 2, 2010//

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A Constellation Energy official says one reactor at Calvert Cliffs nuclear power plant in southern Maryland is back on line after an unexpected shutdown last month.

Officials said melting snow on an electrical breaker at the Lusby plant caused a loss of power, which then triggered the second reactor to also shut down on Feb. 18.

David Fitz, a spokesman for Constellation Energy Nuclear Group, a subsidiary of Constellation Energy Group, says one reactor began operating early Sunday, but the second remained out of service Monday for refueling.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspectors visited the plant last week to investigate. Commission spokeswoman Diane Screnci says inspectors will return in several weeks to review company reports and will produce their own analysis within 45 days.

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