My colleagues and I at Exelon Nuclear are concerned by the impression your recent prominent article may have left with some readers regarding operating conditions at our nuclear plant fleet, especially our Quad Cities plant (“Aging nuclear plants pushed to the limit; Increased power output raises safety concerns,” Page 1, June 11). I would like to offer some context and perspective.
Your article described a number of unrelated issues in connection with Quad Cities’ operations, including plant equipment and issues with manufactured fuel rods.
Long-time nuclear critics quoted in the article suggest that these issues are linked and may pose a threat to the safe operation of the plant.
At best, this suggestion is inaccurate.
Let me emphasize that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which has responsibility for scrutinizing and regulating our operations, has concluded that the issues raised in your article do not represent safety threats.
Further if our own expert plant operators detected a significant safety problem, they would immediately halt operations.
These are safe plants that have, by design, multiple redundant safety features that ensure safety every step of the way. Safety of our workers and plant neighbors is our highest priority.
It is true, as your story described, that Exelon and other nuclear plant operators have been steadily uprating nuclear plants in recent years in order to increase the amounts of electricity generated.
In doing this, we have been rigorous with respect to replacing or enhancing plant equipment, systems and technology to assure maximum safety margins are maintained.
Also all of our uprates in operating capacity have been subject to detailed review by the NRC’s expert staff and approved by the commission.
Our plants provide an abundant, safe and affordable supply of electricity–without emitting harmful air pollutants.
We hope your readers will take the opportunity to learn more about our operations by going to our Web site at www.exeloncorp.com.
