BRIDGMAN, Mich., December 18, 2000 -- American Electric Power’s (NYSE: AEP) Cook Nuclear Plant Unit 1 began reactor operation, or startup, at 5 a.m. today. Startup is defined as a sustained nuclear fission chain reaction. Presently, the reactor is at less than 1 percent power.

Plant engineers and operators will perform tests on the reactor before increasing power.

Once the reactor reaches about 9 percent power, the output of the generator will be connected to the AEP transmission grid. Ascension to full power includes several hold points for additional system checks and tests. If progress continues at the current pace, the unit should reach full power before the end of the year.

On Dec. 13, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced that performance improvements and plant modifications to Unit 1 are sufficient to resume operations and operate safely.

Cook Unit 2 returned to service in June.

The units were idled in September 1997 because of questions raised about operability of safety systems.