Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) Liaison

The nuclear electric utility industry created the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) in 1979. INPO's mission is to promote the highest levels of safety and reliability - to promote excellence - in the operation of nuclear electric generating plants.

All U.S. organizations that operate commercial nuclear power plants are INPO members. Nuclear operating organizations in other countries and nuclear steam supply system, architect/engineering and construction firms are INPO participants.

The Department of Energy and INPO have a contract that provides DOE nuclear facility federal and management and operating company employees access to certain INPO products and services. The activities specified in the contract provide the Department with operational experiences, methods, information, and data developed for the commercial nuclear industry through the programs and activities undertaken by INPO. Specifically,

• Sharing of commercial industry operating experience and data (lessons learned)
   
• Copies of INPO Guidelines, Good Practices and periodicals
   
• Limited attendance at industry-wide workshops and conferences
   
• On-site special assistance visits
   
• Participation in training courses at INPO's offices
   
• Access to INPO's Nuclear Network, a secure web site
   

The INPO-DOE contract is coordinated by the Office of Regulatory Liaison.

Inquiries from DOE and DOE contractor personnel about the DOE/INPO relationship may be made to Earl Carnes at email: earl.carnes@hq.doe.gov or phone: 301-903-5255.