The Utilities Service Alliance (USA) recently concluded its 19th Annual Nuclear Generator and Supplier Executive Summit in Hot Springs, Virginia. Close to 500 conference attendees and their guests from over 125 different companies attended this leading industry event.

This year’s theme was Engagement and Accountability: the Keys to Unlocking Excellence. Speakers included several chief nuclear officers, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) as well as leading industry suppliers and consultants.

“The event was a rousing success,” explained USA Director of Operational Performance John Christensen. “Everyone embraced this year’s theme and was truly engaged in the discussions that will help drive us all towards excellence.”

The conference featured presentations by USA fleet members PSEG Nuclear, Cook, Susquehanna and Columbia. Discussions centered on engagement and accountability on an everyday basis as well as specific plant challenges like PSEG Nuclear’s challenge with Superstorm Sandy and Susquehanna’s challenges with turbines.

In the evening, conference attendees and their guests attended the USA Supplier Solutions Showcase. Over 65 industry suppliers showcased their equipment and services for USA fleet members.

As part of the USA Executive Summit, DTE Energy and the Fermi Nuclear Power Plant won the coveted Optimizer Award for the fifth time. In addition, the USA Suppliers of the Year were named with AP Services winning the Material Supplier of the Year award and PKMJ Technical Services winning the Services Supplier of the Year award.

The 20th Annual Nuclear Generator and Supplier Executive Summit will be held next year from June 4 – 6 in Carlsbad, California.