The station is built on a 3,055-acre site with a 2,058-acre man-made cooling lake, which is also a popular fishery managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Units 1 and 2 began commercial operation in January 1984 and October 1984, respectively. Both of LaSalle’s units are boiling water reactors designed by General Electric. LaSalle’s Unit 1 is capable of generating 1,138 net megawatts (MW), while Unit 2 is capable of generating 1,150 net MW. Together the units can produce enough energy to power more than 2.3 million average American homes
Committed to Safety
LaSalle County Generating Station, like all U.S. nuclear energy facilities, is based on a “defense-in-depth” design, which means there are redundant layers of safety. There are multiple layers of safety systems to provide water to the reactor core. These safety systems, and their backup safety systems, are powered by multiple and redundant power sources. Nuclear energy plants are built with multiple physical barriers, including thick, steel-reinforced concrete walls around the reactor to contain radioactive materials.
Our employees are personally committed to safety. They are highly-skilled workers and continually receive training to make our safe work practices even safer. We have a culture of continuous learning and implement lessons learned from operating experience to continue to operate safe nuclear energy facilities. Each employee has 100 percent accountability. We welcome strict, daily oversight by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). We work with the NRC to ensure that all regulations are complied with - and exceeded.
Learn more about the safety of Exelon's nuclear energy plants.
Generating More Low-Carbon Electricity
As part of Exelon 2020, Exelon Nuclear launched a series of planned power uprates across the company's nuclear fleet that will generate additional generation capacity within 8 years without turning a spade of earth. Uprate projects improve the efficiency and increase electricity output of a nuclear generating unit through upgrades to plant equipment. The projects take advantage of new production and measurement technologies, new materials and learning from a half-century of nuclear power operations.
Emergency Planning
LaSalle employs a sophisticated emergency plan to protect public health and safety. approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the state of Illinois. The emergency plan includes coordination with local counties, municipalities and school districts.
Supporting the Local Economy
A majority of LaSalle’s approximately 800 employees live in LaSalle and Grundy counties. The station’s annual payroll is about $56 million. During refueling outages, LaSalle employs several hundred temporary contract workers who boost the local economy during their stay.
Community Involvement
LaSalle aims to be a good neighbor and is active in the local community.
- Sponsorship. The power plant sponsors several community events including United Way Labor of Love, Grand Ridge Youth Baseball Association, Streator Spring Lake Park, The Illinois River Area Chamber of Commerce, LaSalle County Pheasants Forever, Marseilles Fun Days, Seneca SummerFest and local schools.
- Charitable Giving & Volunteering. LaSalle employees give generously to the community through a variety of volunteer activities, including the local United Way campaign.