A Notification of Unusual Event at the 1,200 MW Wolf Creek nuclear power plant in Kansas was terminated Jan. 16 after the plant was shut down due to the loss of off-site power.

Plant officials determined that a circuit breaker in the switchyard failed, causing the loss of off-site power to the plant, according to Jenny Hageman, spokeswoman with the power plant. An investigation continues into the cause of the breaker failure and the loss of power.

Hageman said in an email that officials plan to replace the failed breaker, restore power to non-safety-related equipment and systems and inspect additional plant equipment to ensure there is no damage.

Diesel generators performed as designed, keeping the reactors cool until the plant could be safely shut down.

Plant owners Kansas City Power & Light, Westar Energy and Kansas Electric Power Co-Op Inc. will use other generating facilities they own or will purchase power from other utilities while the plant is shut down. There is no word on when it is expected to restart.

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