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Byron Generating Station is located near Byron in northern Illinois, about 90 miles west of Chicago. It’s a two-unit nuclear power facility capable of generating approximately 2,336 net megawatts. Together they can produce enough power to support the electricity needs of more than 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 Daniel Enright. 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 850 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 about 2,000 temporary contractors, who boost the local economy during their stay.
Exelon pays local real estate taxes totaling about $29 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 Rockford Association for Minority Management. A number of local sports teams, often coached by our employees, also receive site sponsorship.
Byron employees give generously to the community through a variety of charitable activities. Employees donate about $150,000 annually to local United Way chapters. The station also sponsors a blood drive and various “Day of Caring” 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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