Byron Generating Station, located near Byron in northern Illinois, about 90 miles west of Chicago. It’s a two-unit nuclear power facility capable of generating approximately 1,200 net megawatts per unit. Together they can produce enough power to support the electricity needs of over two million average American homes.
Its massive twin cooling towers reach 495-feet into the air, overlooking the scenic Rock River Valley. The two towers help cool the two pressurized water reactors designed by Westinghouse. Units 1 and 2 began commercial operation on Sept. 16, 1985, and Aug. 2, 1987, respectively. The construction cost for the station was approximately $4.5 billion.
Byron’s Site Vice President is David Hoots. The Plant Manager is Brad Adams.
Emergency Planning:
Byron 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 plan includes coordination with local counties, municipalities and school districts.
Supporting the Local Economy:
Byron has about 690 Exelon employees. The majority of Byron’s employees live in Ogle and Winnebago counties. The station's annual payroll is about $60 million. Additionally, during refuel outages, Byron employs several hundred temporary contractors, who boost the local economy during their stay.
Exelon pays local real estate taxes totaling about $28 million every year to support county and township government, area schools, libraries, park districts and other taxing bodies.
Community Involvement:
Byron’s goal is to be a good neighbor and is very active in many of the surrounding communities. The station sponsors a number of events and organizations, including the Byron Civic Theatre, Oregon Summer Concert series, Byron’s annual ByronFest and the DARE Program for the Byron Police Department. A number of local sports teams, often coached by our employees, also receive site sponsorship. At one organization, the Greater Rockford Little League, the station purchased First Aid Safety Kits for all of its 45+ teams.
Byron employees give generously to the community through a variety of charitable activities. Employees donate about $140,000 annually to local United Way chapters. The station also sponsors a blood drive and various “activity days” where employees visit a non-profit agency and help them complete needed work projects. The station's "Goodwill Committee" also donates food, toys and clothes to non-profit community groups, especially during the holiday season. In addition, the station is a member of the Byron and Oregon Chambers of Commerce.
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