Date Issued
Report Number
2026-17635
Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Description
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) operates three nuclear plants capable of generating an average of 8,600 megawatts of electricity. Nuclear power plants can provide a continuous and reliable supply of energy because they operate at full capacity, nearly uninterrupted. Nuclear Power Group (NPG) Standard Programs and Processes (SPP) 07.1.7, Station Seasonal Readiness, specifies the roles, responsibilities, and programmatic controls for seasonal readiness to ensure reliable operation during summer and winter periods. A Station Seasonal Readiness Letter is required to be sent from each site to the Chief of Nuclear Operations to certify the plant will be ready for safe and reliable operation for the season.
Due to the importance of ensuring reliable generation during peak summer demand, we scheduled an evaluation of the TVA Nuclear Station Seasonal Readiness program. The objective of our evaluation was to determine if TVA Nuclear had completed warm-weather plans in accordance with the Station Seasonal Readiness program.
We determined all three nuclear sites completed warm-weather plans in accordance with the Station Seasonal Readiness program. Specifically, Station Seasonal Readiness Letters were completed as required to certify the plants would be ready for reliable operation for the 2026 summer season. However, the documents used to track milestone completion needed for seasonal readiness were not always retained as required.
Joint Report
No
Agency Wide
Yes (agency-wide)
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0