Limerick Generating Station is located in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia in Montgomery County. The station is built on a 600-acre site, and draws its cooling water from the Schuylkill River. Its Units 1 and 2 began commercial operation in February 1986 and January 1990, respectively.
Both of Limerick’s units are boiling water reactors designed by General Electric. Each unit is capable of generating nearly 1,200 net megawatts and together they can produce enough power to support the electricity needs of more than two million average American homes.
Emergency Planning:
Limerick employs a sophisticated emergency response plan to protect public health and safety. Both the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the state of Pennsylvania approved the plan. The Emergency Plan includes coordination with local counties, municipalities and school districts.
Supporting the Local Economy:
Limerick Generating Station has approximately 700 permanent employees, and retains additional contractors as needed. The majority of Limerick’s employees live in Berks, Chester, and Montgomery counties. The station's annual payroll is approximately $62 million. Additionally, during refuel outages, Limerick employs almost 1,200 temporary contractors, who boost the local economy during their stay.
Exelon pays federal, state, and local income and real estate taxes totaling more than $15 million every year to support governments, area schools, libraries, park districts and other taxing bodies. Spending by the Limerick plant in Montgomery County totaled $43 million in 2004. The expenditures represented 17.5 percent of Limerick’s total spending of $246.7 million and 36.7 percent of the $117.2 million spent in Pennsylvania.
To learn more about Limerick's economic impact on the community, read a report from the Nuclear Energy Institute titled "The Economic Benefits of the Exelon Pennsylvania Nuclear Fleet."
Community Involvement:
Limerick’s goal is to be a good neighbor and is very active in the local community. The station sponsors several community events.
Limerick employees give generously to the community through a variety of charitable activities. The station also sponsors blood drives throughout the year, helping area blood banks supply the needs of area hospitals. In addition, the station is a member of the Tri-County Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spring-Ford Chamber of Commerce.