Nuclear Generation Reports Record Year, Again

Compiled ByTravis Hessman Despite a decrease in the number of operating reactors, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that last year U.S. nuclear power generation levels rose 3.5% over the previous year, setting a new record. Generating 753.9 billion kilowatt hours, U.S. reactors beat 1999's record of 728.1 billion kWh. The nuclear industry generated 69.2 billion kWh in July 2000, the highest monthly level for the U.S. nuclear power industry ever. The increase in nuclear generation over the past two years would have been enough to meet the power needs of all residential consumers in California in 1999, notes the EIA, an independent statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy.