Calvert Cliffs Refueling Outage Delivers Close to $90 Million in Upgrades and Provides Powerful Boost to the Local Economy

Annual outage supports safe, reliable, emissions-free power for 1.3 million homes while bringing 1,500 skilled workers to surrounding community

Lusby, MD (March 25, 2026) – The Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center recently wrapped up another successful, safely executed spring refueling outage, investing nearly $90 million in equipment upgrades and bringing significant economic impact to the Calvert County area.

"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 27-day outage focused on multi-million-dollar equipment upgrades that will ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of Calvert Cliffs Unit 1."

The outage brought more than 1,500 skilled electricians, pipefitters, welders, carpenters, laborers, steamfitters and other tradespeople to Calvert County for close to a month, filling area hotels, restaurants and other shops to capacity. The workforce also raised $30,000 dollars that will be distributed among selected local charities.

"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."

"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," said Manager Kim Mina. "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."

Many types of businesses look forward to the outage, including local eateries.

"For us here at Adam's Ribs, the best part of the winter is knowing that the outage is coming," said Jaime Padilla, owner of the Prince Frederick restaurant. "They are great people. They support us all the time. We are happy to have them and hate to see them go."

"The staff looks forward to everyone coming into town," said Brandon Harrington, owner of Buckets in Lusby. "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, 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 thousands of tasks performed during the outage included the installation of a new $4.8 million, 151-ton transformer transported to Maryland from Alabama. The transformer is responsible for adjusting voltage so electricity can be delivered safely and efficiently to the grid. A $14.9 million upgrade to the unit's electrical equipment was also performed. 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 Constellation's role as a cornerstone of Maryland's energy infrastructure.