FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company Employee Jim Amundsen Recognized with Electric Industry Award

AKRON, Ohio, March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) recently recognized Jim Amundsen, supervisor of component and material testing for FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC), with a Technology Transfer award for his efforts to improve equipment reliability across the company's nuclear generation fleet.  Presented annually, EPRI Technology Transfer awards recognize successful research, development and implementation of technology solutions that benefit the electric power industry.  

Amundsen led a team that implemented maintenance procedure and practice changes to enhance the reliability of circuit cards and other components that control systems within the FENOC plants.  Improved maintenance methods include a monitoring program that helps detect manufacturing defects with new components before they are installed.  In addition to strengthening equipment reliability and performance and enhancing safety margin, the new practices provide maintenance cost savings for the company.

A 33-year FirstEnergy employee, Amundsen leads the component and material testing group at FirstEnergy's BETA Lab in Mayfield, Ohio, which provides a wide range of analytical, testing and instrumentation calibration and repair services for FirstEnergy and other companies. 

"I am very proud of the contributions of Jim and his team, which support our goal of safe, reliable and efficient operation of our nuclear power plants," said Sam Belcher, FENOC President and Chief Nuclear Officer.  "These efforts help to ensure our facilities and their equipment remains in top operating condition to provide the power needed by our communities and customers."   

"Continually seeking and implementing improved technology, methodology and processes reflects the nuclear industry's commitment to safe, reliable operations," said President of FirstEnergy Generation Jim Lash. "I commend Jim for his leadership, drive and commitment to excellence."

FirstEnergy Corp. FE is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio.  Its FENOC subsidiary operates the Beaver Valley Power Station in Shippingport, Pa., the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in Oak Harbor, Ohio, and the Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Perry, Ohio.  Visit FirstEnergy on the web at www.firstenergycorp.com or follow the company's nuclear plants on Twitter:   @BVPowerStation, @DavisBesse and @Perry_Plant.

About EPRI
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public.  An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, affordability, health, safety and the environment.  EPRI's members represent approximately 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to more than 30 countries.  EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.

Photos of BETA Lab testing are available on Flickr.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.