Surry nuclear reactor shut down for refueling

Dominion Virginia Power has shut down one of the two nuclear reactors at its Surry power station for refueling.

Surry's Unit 1 was powered down over the weekend for what the utility described as a scheduled 18-month refueling, a process that typically takes 4-5 weeks.

Unit 2 continues to operate at full power, according to information provided this morning by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Surry, located in Surry County on the southern bank of the James River, is Dominion Virginia Power's first nuclear station. Unit 1 began commercial operation in December 1972 and Unit 2 followed in May 1973.