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Exelon's Byron Station Faces "Economic Pressures"

Exelon

A spokesman for Exelon's Byron station confirms there are economic pressures on the Byron, Clinton and Quad Cities facilities. The spokesman tells WNIJ that Exelon sent lawmakers information in the hopes they gain a better understanding of the value of these nuclear facilities to the state economy and the impact of closing at-risk facilities early.

David Kolata heads the Citizens Utility Board. He says an increase in natural gas production from fracking means supply is high and energy prices have fallen. But he doubts Exelon will pull the plug on the Byron plant anytime soon.

“If you look at steps the company is taking by re-upping their license, building some transmission lines that would benefit that plant. I don’t really think that the plant is at-risk.”

Kolata cautions lawmakers against passing on any of Exelon's financial burdens to consumers.

“There has to be transparency if this is going to be considered. They really have to open their books. We can’t just simply take their word at it that they are losing money, especially since we know that the company is very profitable. We also know overall the fleet is profitable in Illinois.”

A spokesperson for the Quad-Cities station tells the Rock Island Dispatch the company won't make a final decision on closings until after next June, giving state lawmakers time to study the market and find solutions. 

Jenna Dooley has spent her professional career in public radio. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and the Public Affairs Reporting Program at the University of Illinois - Springfield. She returned to Northern Public Radio in DeKalb after several years hosting Morning Edition at WUIS-FM in Springfield. She is a former "Newsfinder of the Year" from the Illinois Associated Press and recipient of NIU's Donald R. Grubb Journalism Alumni Award. She is an active member of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association and an adjunct instructor at NIU.
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