Exelon : Limerick Generating Station Receives Extended Operating License

 Landmark facility in Montgomery County will power the community for another 20 years 

Pottstown, PA (October 20, 2014)- Earlier today, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced approval of Limerick Generating Station's license renewal application. The approval is the culmination of a rigorous, multi-year process that includes comprehensive design reviews and inspections. The license renewal allows Limerick to operate 20 years beyond its original 40-year operating licenses, which were set to expire in 2024 for Unit 1 and 2029 for Unit 2.

"Today's announcement is great news for Limerick employees, our customers and the community," said Tom Dougherty, Limerick site vice president. "We are committed to running the plant at world-class levels through 2049, providing clean, safe, reliable energy while powering the local economy."

A Reliable Source of Clean Energy
Limerick Generating Station generates 2,345 megawatts of clean and reliable electricity, enough for approximately two million homes. Limerick also reduces the region's reliance on fossil fuels and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. According to a report by Continental Economics based on 2010 data, if Limerick were retired from service, annual carbon dioxide emissions would increase by 13.2 million tons, equivalent to putting more than 2.5 million cars on the road.

An Economic Engine in Montgomery County
In the past five years, Exelon has invested more than $500 million in plant components and modern technology to ensure continued, safe operations. Local vendors, suppliers and contractors benefit greatly from these investments. Limerick also contributes $113 million annually in direct economic contributions to Pennsylvania, including $75 million in employee wages and salaries, $35 million in purchases of goods and services and $2.9 million in property tax payments.

An Affordable Energy Producer
According to the Continental Economics report, Limerick reduces wholesale energy costs in Pennsylvania by $880 million per year, on average, which results in consumer savings.

"I am very happy that the NRC renewed Limerick's operating license," said Mariea Geho, East Coventry Township Supervisor. "The community has benefitted greatly from our partnership with Exelon. Limerick is a good neighbor and I am very pleased that the plant will be operating for future generations."

Exelon personnel collectively spent 60,000 hours preparing the 2,000-page license renewal application that was submitted to the NRC on June 22, 2011. This process involved review of
thousands of documents, a detailed review of historical equipment and component performance, and a rigorous review of the existing maintenance and engineering programs to ensure that the station is capable of maintaining plant systems over the extended license period.

The plant's original 40-year operating license was set to expire in 2024 for Unit 1 and 2029 for Unit 2. The 40-year term for initial nuclear plant operating licenses was based on amortization schedules to finance large utility projects, not on safety, technical or environmental considerations.

The Atomic Energy Act of 1954, the original legislation authorizing civilian use of nuclear energy, permits nuclear power plants to renew their operating licenses.

Limerick Generating Station will continue to follow the same rigorous program of oversight and inspection by the NRC during its extended period of operation, led by two full-time inspectors at the station, as well as supplemental inspectors from the NRC regional headquarters. The plant has its own extensive programs in preventive and corrective maintenance, equipment testing, monitoring and replacement, and environmental monitoring.

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