NRC sets backup plans for Y2K
By Reuters
Special to CNET News.com
June 15, 1999, 12:55 p.m. PT
Fears that Year 2000 computer crashes may cripple nuclear power plants have led
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to develop backup plans for adding staff and
ensuring communications when the new millennium starts.
In a statement from the NRC today, the agency said the contingency plan calls for staffing
its operations center in Rockville, Maryland, beginning at 9 a.m. on December 31. Backup
will be provided by NRC's regional office in Arlington, Texas.
"NRC staff will be stationed at each nuclear power plant site and uranium enrichment
facility as well as in each NRC regional Independent Response Center in King of Prussia,
Pennsylvania; Atlanta; and Lisle, Illinois'' the agency said.
Portable satellite telephones will also be provided as backup
communications, if needed, at each plant and facility.
The Year 2000 bug, or Y2K, refers to the potential problem computers
may have in recognizing dates beginning with January 1, 2000 and
beyond. The default arises from computer programs that use two digits to represent a
calendar year, like "99."
It is feared when the millennium rollover begins, computers will crash when reading "00" as
"1900" instead of "2000."
The NRC and the nuclear industry have stressed that no tests to date have shown any
safety-related problems related to Y2K. A final report on power industry Y2K compliance is
due at the end of June, when the North American Electric Reliability Council files a report
with the Department of Energy.
"Based on NRC's Y2K reviews and audits of nuclear power plants and other licensed
facilities, all licensees are expected to be Y2K ready well before December 31, and the
Y2K transition will not affect continued safe operation of their facilities," the NRC said.
Last month, Rep. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts), a frequent critic of the NRC, said the
agency had expressed Y2K-related concerns about backup generators at the Pilgrim
nuclear station in his state. The lawmaker said while there were no general problems
expected from Y2K, the NRC said some difficulties were experienced with plant monitoring
systems and access controls.
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