FORKED RIVER, N.J. (September 19, 2016) - Operators at Oyster Creek Generating Station removed the generator from service at 12:40 a.m. today to begin a planned refueling outage, following a strong, reliable summer run.
During the outage, Exelon employees and supplemental workers will perform maintenance activities and replace nearly one-third of the reactor's fuel to keep the unit running safely and efficiently for another two-year cycle.
To support this work, the station will use the talents and expertise of more than 1,000 additional workers, many of whom travel to Oyster Creek from outside the area. For several weeks preceding and following the outage, the influx of workers provides a significant boost to the local economy. During the outage, technicians will also complete testing, maintenance and modifications that can only be done when the station is not generating electricity.
'Our refueling outage allows us to perform important maintenance that will ensure Oyster Creek continues to operate safely and reliably, so that when temperatures soar like they did this summer, or plummet like they will in the winter, residents' important energy needs are met,' said Site Vice President Garey L. Stathes. 'As always, we will complete our outage tasks with a focus on excellence and a commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.'
This summer, when New Jersey saw some of its highest temperatures on record, Oyster Creek operated at greater than 95.7 percent capacity during June, July and August, ensuring consistent reliable power to the region.
Exelon Generation previously announced that Oyster Creek will close in 2019. Its final refueling outage is planned for 2018.
Oyster Creek is located about 60 miles east of Philadelphia in Ocean County, New Jersey. The plant produces 636 net megawatts of electricity at full power, enough electricity to supply 600,000 typical homes, the equivalent to all homes in Monmouth and Ocean counties combined. Join us on
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