Constellation pilot program invites customers to source nuclear power

Through its retail energy supplier subsidiary, Constellation will match 100 percent of the electricity used by customers who opt into the program. The company will use emission-free energy certificates (EFECs) generated at the company’s nuclear-powered clean energy centers in the PJM region, which serves 13 states and Washington, D.C.

That means D.C. customers who sign up can brag to family and friends this holiday season about how their tree lights, outside decorations, and endless rechargeable gifts are being powered by split atoms.

Quotable: “Constellation is the No. 1 operator of clean, reliable nuclear energy plants, and we’re proud to be the first to offer this zero-carbon energy source to American households. And we can think of no better place to pilot this program than our nation’s capital, where nuclear energy enjoys strong bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats alike,” said Kathleen Barrón, Constellation’s chief strategy and growth officer. “Policymakers, tech companies, and even former Miss America and nuclear engineer Grace Stanke have all embraced this zero-carbon, always-on energy source, and now Washingtonians can too.”

Why nuclear? Nuclear energy is safe, clean, reliable, and affordable, the company said in its news release. In fact, Constellation’s nuclear energy offer at 11.99 cents per kilowatt-hour is less costly than the local D.C. utility’s current supply rate. By choosing carbon-free nuclear energy, D.C. residents can save money on their energy bills while helping fight climate change.

Constellation operates the nation’s largest nuclear energy fleet, the annual output of which is nearly 90 percent carbon free. According to the company, in 2023, Constellation’s nuclear facilities recorded 94.4 percent capacity factors.

Constellation’s nuclear generation offsets 125 million metric tons of carbon emissions, which is equivalent to taking more than 29 million gas-powered cars off the road for one year, the news release said.

Industry trend: The sourcing of carbon-free nuclear energy is gaining popularity in the technology and manufacturing sectors, too, as companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Nucor work to meet their net-zero emission pledges in the coming decades. As utilities struggle to keep up with soaring demand, some companies are going directly to nuclear companies to secure power for data centers and steel production, according to clean energy-focused nonprofit Clearpath.

Get involved: To sign up for nuclear energy, Washington, D.C. residents can visit Constellation's website and enter their address and utility bill account number.

While D.C. is the pilot market for the new residential nuclear program, Constellation plans to expand to additional markets in 2025.