Rancho Seco Start-Up Delayed

SACRAMENTO — Operators of the Rancho Seco nuclear power plant today postponed the start-up of the long-sidelined facility until Tuesday to test whether they have fixed an electrical problem.

“Barring any other problems, we expect to send a letter (to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission) Tuesday morning requesting approval to restart,” Carl Andognini, nuclear chief for Sacramento Municipal Utility District, said at a news conference at the plant 25 miles southeast of Sacramento. He said he expects the NRC to quickly approve the start-up request. Andognini said utility officials have fixed a vibration problem in a diesel generator that the NRC said last week must be repaired before the restart.