Plymouth: Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant experiences automatic shutdown Friday night as result of Blizzard

The Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth experienced an automatic shutdown at 9:18 p.m. Friday night due to a loss of off-site power resulting from the snow storm. The plant subsequently declared an Unusual Event at about 10 p.m. - the lowest of four levels of emergency classification. There were no complications as the reactor was shutting down. Backup emergency diesel generators are providing power to safety systems.

Officials will be monitoring the cool-down of the reactor and efforts to restore off-site power.

Work to repair a safety relief valve that has been problematic and caused the plant to operate at reduced power will likely take place while Pilgrim is off-line.