Summary
This 8-K filing from Edison International (EIX) on October 21, 2004, details significant developments at its San Onofre nuclear plant. Southern California Edison (SCE) discovered evidence of degradation in the pressurizer sleeves of Unit 3 during its current refueling outage. These sleeves are made of the same material as the steam generator tubes, which are already slated for replacement. To address this issue proactively, SCE is accelerating the planned replacement of Unit 3's pressurizer sleeves from 2006 to the current outage, extending it significantly.
Key Highlights
- 1Southern California Edison (SCE) discovered degradation in the pressurizer sleeves of San Onofre Unit 3 during the current refueling outage.
- 2The replacement of Unit 3's pressurizer sleeves is being accelerated from a planned 2006 outage to the current outage.
- 3This accelerated work will extend the Unit 3 outage from 55 days to a range of 95 to 110 days.
- 4SCE also found indications of degradation in the Unit 3 reactor vessel head, which will be repaired during the current outage.
- 5Planned replacement of Unit 2's pressurizer sleeves will occur during its next scheduled outage in 2005.
- 6The company expects the costs associated with these accelerated repairs and extended outages to be reasonable and seeks recovery from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
- 7Edison International believes these repairs, while significant, should not impact its earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
During its current Unit 3 refueling outage, Southern California Edison discovered degradation in the pressurizer sleeves and also found indications of degradation in the Unit 3 reactor vessel head. These issues are related to materials similar to those in the steam generator tubes, which are already scheduled for replacement.
The company has decided to accelerate the replacement of Unit 3's pressurizer sleeves to the current outage. This will significantly extend the outage duration from an expected 55 days to between 95 and 110 days. Repairs to the reactor vessel head will also be performed during this extended period.
SCE anticipates approximately $9 million in capital expenditures in 2005 that were previously planned for 2006 due to this acceleration. The company believes these costs are reasonable and will seek recovery from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in future ratemaking proceedings. Edison International stated that it expects these events not to impact its earnings.
Southern California Edison plans to replace the pressurizer sleeves in Unit 2 during its next scheduled outage in 2005. Both Unit 2 and Unit 3 reactor vessel heads are planned for replacement during refueling outages in 2009-2010.