Braidwood Generating Station, Exelon's newest nuclear power station, is located in northeastern Illinois, about 60 miles southwest of Chicago in Will County. The station is built on a 4,457-acre site, and its cooling lake was formed from scarred farming land and an old strip mine. Its Units 1 and 2 began commercial operation in July and October of 1988, respectively. The initial construction cost for the station was $5.2 billion.
Both of Braidwood's units are pressurized water reactors designed by Westinghouse. Each unit is capable of generating nearly 1,200 net megawatts and together they can produce enough power to support the electricity needs of over two million average American homes.
Braidwood’s Site Vice President is Bryan Hanson. The Plant Manager is Larry Coyle.
Emergency Planning:
Braidwood employs a sophisticated emergency response plan to protect public health and safety. Both the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the state of Illinois approved the plan. The Emergency Planning includes coordination with local counties, municipalities and school districts.
Supporting the Local Economy:
Braidwood has about 615 Exelon employees. The majority of Braidwood's employees live in Grundy and Will counties. The station's annual payroll is about $63 million. Additionally, during refuel outages, Braidwood employs several hundred temporary contractors, who boost the local economy during their stay.
Exelon pays local real estate taxes totaling about $16.3 million every year to support county and township government, area schools, libraries, park districts and other taxing bodies.
Community Involvement:
Braidwood’s goal is to be a good neighbor and is very active in the local community. The station sponsor’s several community events including the Braidwood SummerFest Fireworks and the Braidwood Shootout, a 32-team Class “A” Basketball tournament held annually at Reed Custer High School. The station also sponsors numerous other community events and youth sports teams.
Braidwood employees give generously to the community through a variety of charitable activities. In 2006, employees donated a station record $211,000 to local United Way chapters. The station also sponsors blood drives throughout the year, helping area blood banks supply the needs of area hospitals. The station's "Goodwill Committee" also runs food, toy and fund drives to support various community groups and agencies. In addition, the station is a member of the Braidwood Chamber of Commerce.
In 2005, Braidwood purchased Atom, a crime-fighting dog for the village of Braidwood. He along with handler Doug Severino has had a significant impact in the community.
The station’s signature event is "Fishing for a Cure.” The annual tournament raises money for a new local charity selected each year by employees. Exelon pays the cost of staging the event, allowing 100% of the $100-per-boat entry fee, raffles and silent auctions to go directly to the charity.
In six years, the event has raised more than $80,000 for charity. The 2007 event, which benefited CURE, Citizens United in Research for Epilepsy raised a record $21,000 for charity.
To learn more about Braidwood Station read Community Connection - news for Braidwood Generating Station's Neighbors.
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