Cook Nuclear Plant
One Cook Place, Bridgman, Michigan, United States

The Cook Nuclear Plant is located on 650 acres along Lake Michigans eastern shoreline. The tract is part of the worlds largest formation of fresh water dunes. The plant is owned and operated by American Electric Power.  The construction permit for the plant was granted by the Atomic Energy Commission in 1969. The plant was named for the late Donald C. Cook, a Michigan native, and former chairman of the board of AEP. Unit 1 began commercial operation in August of 1975, and Unit 2 in July of 1978. Construction cost for both units was 1.3 billion dollars.  With both Cook units at full power, more than 2,100 megawatts of electricity are generated – enough for more than 1.5 million homes. Cook has 1,200 employees and a payroll of more than $100 million. AEP pays more than $35 million in taxes, making it by far the largest taxpayer in the county. Cook enjoys great support in the local community, and returns that support through numerous contributions to community agencies.  Nuclear energy is by far the most reliable source of electricity that doesnt emit any air pollution, producing electricity 24/7 for 18 months before briefly shutting down to refuel. Nuclear energy has a major role in protecting Americas air quality, suppling nearly 20 percent of Americas electricity. Its a secure source that isnt subject to changing weather conditions, unpredictable fuel cost fluctuations or over-dependence on foreign suppliers. Energy diversity helps balance the benefits, risks and costs associated with producing electricity. Nuclear energy plays a vital role in Americas diverse electricity portfolio.

LAKE MICHIGAN BUOY INFORMATION

From late spring to early fall, Cook has a high-tech weather buoy in Lake Michigan that makes extensive weather and water data available to the public online or by text. The buoy can transmit air temperature, wind speed and direction, water current speed and direction, wave height and water temperatures at several depths below the surface. Still images and video clips are taken once each hour and can also be accessed online to see the exact conditions out on the lake.

VISITORS CENTER 

The Visitors Center is open to school groups by appointment only. The Visitors Center offers students an interactive energy adventure that allows them to Discover the Nature of Power. The experience can be tailored to students from grade school to college. The centerpiece of the center is a 26-foot 3D rotating model of the plant that shows the intricate workings of DC Cook nuclear power plant.  Other features of the visitors center include: an interactive electricity generation station where students power lights by peddling a bicycle to turn a generator; exploration of transmission and distribution and how electricity travels to the homes and businesses that use it; an interactive game called chain reaction tag which allow students to visualize how chain reactions are important in nuclear power production; and finally a scavenger hunt that allows students to explore and learn more about nuclear power generation.

EMERGENCY PLAN

There are many safeguards and highly skilled people operating the Cook Nuclear Plant. It is very unlikely that a serious event will ever occur there. Chances of you having to seek shelter or evacuate because of a nuclear emergency are very remote. In the unlikely event that there is an emergency, the topics below will provide the necessary information on how to respond.