Unit 2 of the Edwin I. Hatch Electric Generating Plant near Baxley, Georgia, has safely resumed generating electricity following completion of a scheduled refueling and maintenance outage, setting a record of just 21 days and two hours for both the plant and the Southern Nuclear fleet.

Plant operators safely took the unit offline Feb. 6 at midnight ET. Electricity generation resumed Monday, Feb. 27, at 2:09 a.m. ET.

In addition to refueling the reactor and performing regular maintenance and testing, workers made upgrades to plant systems and components to enhance efficiency and reliability.

"Safety is our top priority, and our team is to be commended for completing this outage safely, efficiently and in record time," said Plant Hatch Vice President David Vineyard. "The work we perform during our outages is a significant investment in our facility. Unit 2 is positioned not just for the next 24 months, but for years of continued safe and reliable electricity production." 

Employees from across the Southern Nuclear fleet assisted Hatch's staff of more than 900 in the refueling effort. Approximately 800 additional workers from General Electric, Day and Zimmerman and other partners performed specialized tasks. These supplemental workers also provided economic stimulus to surrounding communities during their stay in the area.

The last refueling outage for Unit 2 was completed in spring 2015. Hatch Unit 1 continued to safely generate electricity while Unit 2 was offline for the refueling.