CLINTON —  Operators at Exelon Generation’s Clinton Power Station removed Unit 1 from service early Monday morning to begin the nuclear plant’s planned fall refueling outage. Work completed during the outage will help the unit deliver reliable, carbon-free power to more than a million Illinois customers during next two-year operating cycle. 

To support the work, more than 1,800 supplemental electricians, pipe fitters, welders, carpenters, laborers and other trades people will lend their talents and expertise to the site. The influx of workers who travel to Clinton from outside the area; provides a significant boost to the local economy by generating millions of dollars in wages and commerce in DeWitt County and the surrounding areas. Many of the supplemental workers hired to support the outage stay in nearby hotels and frequent local restaurants, gas stations, and other merchants throughout the area. 

“Clinton Power Station is a huge contributor to the local economy in Clinton and DeWitt County throughout the year, and particularly during refueling outages,” said Marian Brisard, executive director of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. “As we close out the summer boating season, the revenue generated by workers from the Clinton plant will be a lifesaver to many local businesses who typically see activity temper this time of year.” 

During the outage, technicians will replace nearly one-third of the reactor’s fuel and perform inspections, tests and maintenance activities that cannot be accomplished while the unit is generating electricity. 

“The work completed during our fall refueling outage will help Clinton Power Station run reliably and efficiently for another two years.” said Site Vice President Ted Stoner. As winter approaches, it’s important we invest in equipment and maintenance upgrades to make sure the station continues to operate at world-class levels of safety and operational excellence.” 

Clinton Power Station is located approximately six miles east of Clinton, Ill.