Oyster Creek Returns to Full Power after Refueling Outage

Oyster Creek Generating Station resumed full-power operations, successfully completing a planned refueling and maintenance outage that began om 19 September.

During the outage,  Exelon employees and supplemental workers performed more than 4,000 maintenance activities and replaced nearly one-third of the reactor’s fuel to keep the unit running safely and efficiently for another two-year cycle. Oyster Creek’s 600-person workforce was supplemented with more than 1,400 additional workers, who as one team, completed their tasks with safety and precision.

“This strong team of 2,000 men and women worked together to ensure  Oyster Creek produces power safely and reliably for our region,” said Site Vice President Garey Stathes. “Our biennial refueling outages would not be possible without strong support from local craftsmen, businesses and stakeholders.”

For several weeks preceding and following the outage, the influx of workers provides a significant boost to the local economy.

Oyster Creek’s final refueling outage is scheduled for 2018. Oyster Creek will cease operations in 2019.

Oyster Creek is located about 60 miles east of Philadelphia in Ocean County, New Jersey. The plant produces 636  megawatts of carbon-free electricity , enough electricity to supply 600,000 typical homes, the equivalent to all homes in Monmouth and Ocean counties combined.