WOLF CREEK — Wolf Creek nuclear power plant officials are asking federal regulators for more time to replace a sensor that provides an early warning of reactor coolant leaks. The Wichita Eagle reported officials want an extension to fix the faulty sensor. Normally the plant would have 30 days to make the fix but because the repair involves shutting down the plant, but officials want to wait until a scheduled shutdown at the end of February. They say an unscheduled two- to three-day shutdown would cost more than $1 million, most of which would be charged to customers. The plant is jointly owned by Westar Energy, Kansas City Power & Light and the Kansas Electric Power Cooperative. The sensor unit began to fail in August. lf Creek officials said because there are other systems designed to detect leaks, the plant can run without the sensor.
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.
