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Xcel shuts down 2 Minnesota nuclear reactors

Photo: frederic prochasson, Photos.com

Aug 15, 2012 at 7:42 am

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Xcel Energy Inc. has shut down two of Minnesota's three nuclear reactors.

The Monticello plant had been operating at 10-percent power since the weekend, and operators shut down Prairie Island's Unit 1 plant Tuesday.

Xcel says both shutdowns were done safely. The Minneapolis-based utility says neither resulted in a release of radioactive materials and did not pose a danger to the public or plant employees.

At Prairie Island, a test found emergency diesel generators were inoperable.

Minnesota Public Radio News (http://bit.ly/PbcAYH) reports workers closed the Monticello plant after discovering leakage which apparently was caused by a failing gasket on a pipe flange.

Xcel says the leaked material was contained within the containment structure.

The company is buying power on the open market, and says repairs will not take long.