NRC regulates the maximum power level at which a commercial nuclear power plant may operate. This power level is used, with other data, in many of the licensing analyses that demonstrate the safety of the plant. This power level is included in the license and technical specifications for the plant. NRC controls any change to a license or technical specification, and the licensee may only change these documents after NRC approves the licensee's application for change. The process of increasing the maximum power level at which a commercial nuclear power plant may operate is called a power uprate.
For more information on Power Uprates, see:
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Monday, October 16, 2023