LUSBY, Md. — The Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center has completed its annual spring refueling outage, investing nearly $90 million in critical equipment upgrades while delivering a major economic boost to Calvert County and Southern Maryland.
The 27-day outage, which wrapped up recently, brought more than 1,500 skilled tradespeople — including electricians, pipefitters, welders, carpenters, laborers, steamfitters and other workers — to the area. The influx filled local hotels, restaurants and shops to capacity during what is traditionally a slower season between the winter holidays and spring tourism. The temporary workforce also raised $30,000 that will be distributed among selected local charities.
“Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center reliably powers the equivalent of more than 1.3 million homes with emissions-free energy, while creating thousands of jobs and economic opportunity locally because of the annual maintenance and refueling outages,” said Pete Moodie, Site Vice President. “This year’s outage focused on multi-million-dollar equipment upgrades that will ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of Calvert Cliffs Unit 1.”
Major projects included the installation of a new $4.8 million, 151-ton transformer shipped from Alabama and a $14.9 million upgrade to the unit’s electrical equipment. Skilled workers also inspected, replaced, refreshed or overhauled various pumps, valves and systems that will keep the unit operating safely for the next 24 months. These investments support long-term grid reliability and reinforce the plant’s role as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy infrastructure.
Local business leaders welcomed the economic impact.
“We are very fortunate to have Constellation here in Calvert County,” said Kathryn Maney, President and CEO, Calvert County Chamber of Commerce. “Traditionally, the winter months are a slower season for hospitality, retail and restaurants. The influx of personnel during the outages brings increased consumer activity that delivers an economic lift to local businesses. This increased spending drives growth and encourages reinvestment within the community when it’s needed most.”
Kim Mina, manager of Springhill by Marriott Prince Frederick, said the outage is a lifeline for the hotel. “The outage at Calvert Cliffs is a lifeline for Springhill by Marriott Prince Frederick during the lull between the winter holiday season and the spring. Springhill PF is one of the top performing Marriotts in the area specifically because of the outage. Our rooms are filled, translating to significant revenue for the hotel.”
Restaurant owners also praised the visiting workforce. Jaime Padilla, owner of Adam’s Ribs in Prince Frederick, said, “For us here at Adam’s Ribs, the best part of the winter is knowing that the outage is coming. They are great people. They support us all the time. We are happy to have them and hate to see them go.”
Brandon Harrington, owner of Buckets in Lusby, added, “The staff looks forward to everyone coming into town. It’s a very active three to four weeks. We have been happy to extend our hours while they are in town, and we hope to keep doing it.”
Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Lusby, the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center is Maryland’s only nuclear energy facility and one of the largest economic engines in the state. It contributes $21 million annually in property taxes and employs more than 800 full-time employees. The station is home to two pressurized water reactors capable of delivering 1,756 megawatts, which is roughly 40 percent of Maryland’s total power generation and 80 percent of the state’s clean power generation.
The outage work at Calvert Cliffs directly benefits families and businesses across Southern Maryland. Calvert County sits at the heart of the region, where reliable electricity supports homes, schools and the nearby Patuxent River Naval Air Station. The annual refueling cycle ensures the plant can continue providing emissions-free power while injecting millions into the local economy through wages, lodging, meals and supplies. The $30,000 raised by workers for charity further strengthens ties between the plant and the surrounding community.
Constellation, the operator of the facility, has made safety the top priority during every outage. The successful 27-day project on Unit 1 means the plant can operate at full capacity for the next two years without interruption. This reliability is especially important in Southern Maryland, where the Chesapeake Bay location and growing population place high demand on the regional power grid.
The economic ripple effects extend beyond hotels and restaurants. Local suppliers, gas stations, grocery stores and service businesses all see increased activity when the skilled workforce arrives. The outage has become a predictable and welcome part of the Calvert County calendar, turning what could be a quiet time of year into a period of heightened commerce and community engagement.
With the outage now complete, the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center returns to normal operations, continuing to deliver clean, reliable electricity to more than 1.3 million homes while standing as a key economic pillar for Southern Maryland. The nearly $90 million invested this spring underscores the facility’s long-term commitment to safety, efficiency and regional prosperity.