Despite record chill, Illinois nuclear energy facilities kept on at full power

A record-breaking blast of cold weather earlier this week did not break the stride of Exelon Generation’s Illinois’ nuclear power operations.

Despite the chill, its six nuclear power plants operated at full power, with 10 of 11 reactors operating smoothly — the last shut down for a refueling outage, according to the company. This, in turn, allowed 11 million homes and businesses in the state to steady on as usual. It is, by the company’s estimation, the latest showing of strength in the face of annual regional deep freezes.

“Even during this unseasonably cold weather, our Illinois fleet’s performance further demonstrates the reliability and resiliency of nuclear power in any kind of weather,” Bryan Hanson, Exelon’s Chief Nuclear Officer, said. “We are dedicated to being online when customers need us most, no matter what Mother Nature throws at us at any time of year.”

Winter resiliency efforts have been a year-long process though, according to Exelon. Frequent checks of backup generators and spare equipment are standard and, this fall, personnel inspected freeze protection systems, electrical equipment and plant systems in preparation for sub-zero temperatures, icy conditions and heavy snowfall. During refueling outages, such as the one reactor faced this week, time is also taken to upgrade equipment and undergo additional maintenance.