Xcel shuts down Monticello nuclear plant

Xcel Energy's nuclear power plant in Monticello has shut down temporarily. It's one of two nuclear power plants in the state.

Xcel Energy officials say a fuse opened up on the line that supplies electrical power to the single-unit nuclear plant. The incident wasn't related any nuclear activity, but the facility requires outside electricity to operate, according to Xcel spokesman Thomas Hoen.

"When we lost power to the plant, we switched over to backup power supply and when we switch over to backup power supply, the plant automatically shuts itself down," said Hoen. "Our operators right now are trying to figure out why the fuse opened up, but they do not have a cause at this time."

"The plant right now is at zero percent power, and will be remaining at zero percent power for the next few days at least," he continued.

The plant has a 600 megawatt capacity. Xcel may turn to other plants or buy power on the open market to make up for the shutdown of the Monticello plant.

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