The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved a request by FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC) to increase the generating capacity of Units 1 and 2 of the Beaver Valley Power Station by approximately 8%.

The uprate for the plant, located about 40km northwest of Pittsburgh, will increase capacity for Unit 1 from approximately 821 MWe to 889 MWe and Unit 2 capacity will grow from approximately 821 MWe to 886 MWe.

FENOC intends to operate Unit 1 at the higher power level no later than completion of its fall 2007 refuelling operations, and Unit 2 at the higher power level no later than its spring 2008 refuelling.