Keeping the Lights On: Working in Nuclear Power
Nuclear power. What comes to mind? The 1986 Chernobyl disaster? The accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011? Nuclear energy deals with radiation and reactors based on science that’s hard to understand, right? It’s an industry run by people in hazmat suits who are unable to prevent catastrophes.
Actually, the nuclear power industry isn’t like that at all. Despite media sources consistently promoting the notion that nuclear energy promises only disaster, the industry is very safe. Nuclear power generates almost 20% of the nation’s electricity and the federal government regulates the industry to keep the plants in check.
Jack Williams, who’s worked mostly as a Senior Reactor Operator in the commercial side of the business for 30 years, says driving to his office adds 60 to 90 minutes to his workday. It’s tedious, especially with such an important job.
People like Williams help keep the lights on, but their jobs aren’t based on the science fiction myths many believe. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the nuclear industry had to work around health risks — suddenly, many employees across the country were working from home.
According to Williams, in case of an emergency, there were always plans to implement telecommuting phases by identifying critical employees (positions necessary to plant operation), because some jobs at power plants are more essential than others.
“Our digital footprint isn’t 100%, so there are activities I have to be on site for,” he says. Though, he does much of his work from the comfort of home. From employees like Williams to Senior Evaluators at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) like Maya Clark, the industry dealt with regulation changes caused by the pandemic just like any other.
They had to work around travel restrictions, too, says Clark: “The industry is continuing to find ways to use virtual platforms to conduct certain activities versus traveling.”
Despite confining setbacks, nuclear proved resilient with no reliability impacts. Telecommuting in nuclear power is now a proven alternative with efficiency improvement of 25% in some departments. So, experts believe remote work will continue on a case-by-case basis.
However, many are excited to return to work. Williams shared, “Nothing can substitute the ability to see how our folks do their job… I look forward to getting back and interacting as a team.”
Technology is advanced enough to make remote work possible, but as Alex Johnson, a Senior Director at Farley Nuclear Plant, says, “Humans are social creatures. [Doing] more face-to-face work is positive both for business and employees in general to feel [a sense of] worth at work.”
Today, workers are already moving back on site based on local community infection rates. Although this is considered good news, even Williams laments about losing some of the special experiences that occurred while working at home. “It’s not unusual to see a child wander into the frame or have an emergent need or a pet that wants some attention. Obviously, we would never have those interactions at the work building,” he says.
It’s the little things that remind us all of our humanity and unique individuality. That will be missed. Families who’ve been able to spend more time together at home during the pandemic will be forced to make hard adjustments.
While Williams and others don’t want to give up those 60 to 90 minutes of freedom they gained working from home, they’re ready to.
As time passes, these adjustments will get easier, and nuclear power workers plan to take the changes in stride. There’s no time to waste in the nuclear industry. It’s electricity that powers society, after all.
