Michigan nuclear reactor shutting down for planned refueling

BRIDGMAN, Mich. (AP) - A reactor at a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan is shutting down this week for refueling, maintenance and testing.

Indiana Michigan Power says power has been reduced at Cook Nuclear Plant's Unit 2 and the unit will be shut down starting Thursday. The outage is expected to last several months. About 1,800 contracted workers will supplement the plant's 1,100-person staff for the work.

Projects during the outage include inspection and replacement of baffle bolts, which support internal components of the reactor vessel.

The plant is along Lake Michigan in Berrien County's Lake Township, near Bridgman.

Cook's Unit 1, which was returned to service last year following a refueling outage, will remain in operation during the shutdown.