NY nuclear reactor shut down

INDIAN POINT, NY - Federal regulators say a nuclear power reactor in the New York City suburbs has been shut down due to an electrical fault.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesman Neil Sheehan says Indian Point 2 went to what's known as hot shutdown at 10:42 p.m. Monday.

That means it is offline but can be brought back quickly.

However, Sheehan said Tuesday operators also found problems with two valves. As a result, the plant is venting steam into the air rather than using the steam to turn a turbine.

Sheehan says the vented steam is not a danger. It's from the side of the plant that does not use radioactive water.

Plant owner Entergy says Indian Point 3, the other reactor at the Buchanan site, remained at full power.