Exelon: "Time is Running Out" for Energy Bill
The Byron Nuclear Generating station, which could close if lawmakers don’t reach an energy deal soon.
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Sources told The Illinoize that a negotiating session Tuesday on a stalled energy package continues at a stalemate, and Exelon is issuing a dire warning about nuclear plant closures.
Environmental groups, backed by Governor JB Pritzker, want to close all coal fired power plants in the state by 2035 and all natural gas fired plants by 2045. Unions, backed by Senate President Don Harmon, oppose closing plants and leaving potentially thousands out of work.
Progressive Democrats say we’re in a climate crisis and the state needs to become a leader on solar and wind energy. The problem there is that the capacity of solar and wind doesn’t match the capacity of existing generating plants. So, the concern is closing down plants like Prairie State Energy in Marissa will end up forcing the state to import more expensive energy from Kentucky or Missouri, where it was probably produced by coal anyway.
The real ticking time bomb in the negotiations could be the impending bailout for Exelon. Sources indicate the Byron Generating station is hemorrhaging operators to other plants and other states because of the uncertainty surrounding the plant.
An Exelon spokesperson issued a dire warning Wednesday.
“While time is running out for a legislative solution, the Byron and Dresden nuclear plants continue to run at world-class levels of safety and reliability with a dedicated workforce and sufficient staffing. In fact, Byron just passed 5,000 days of continuous operation,” the statement read. “Without legislation enacted, we must continue taking the necessary steps toward retiring the plants. We have already notified the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of our intentions, terminated capital projects needed for long-term operation and filed deactivation notices with PJM for both plants. Though there is still a narrow window in which we can reverse these actions, it is becoming more and more difficult each passing day. Without quick action in Springfield to preserve the nuclear plants, Byron will shut down in September and Dresden will shut down in November, as announced last year."
The Illinoize has been told if the Byron station loses too many operators to run the plant, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission may step in and make the decision to close the plant.
Negotiators on either side have not responded to requests for comment.