Constellation: Reactor Restarting After Irene

LUSBY, Md. (AP) -- Constellation Energy Nuclear Group says one of two nuclear reactors at its Calvert Cliffs power plant is being brought back online after being shutdown automatically during Hurricane Irene.

The reactor was shut down when a piece of siding was blown into a transformer. Constellation issued a statement Wednesday saying damage was not found in any of its equipment or systems. The company says that two representatives from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission are also at the site as the unit is being brought back online.

The incident cut the facility's electricity output in half. The company says the second unit was not affected and has continued to operate at full power.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)