In the News

 Frequently Asked Questions

What’s happening with Byron and Dresden?

On August 27, 2020, Exelon announced it will be closing two of its six nuclear plants in Illinois next year. Byron, located just outside Byron, will close in September 2021, and Dresden, located in Morris, will close in November 2021.

Is there anything wrong with them?

No, there is nothing wrong with the plants from a technical perspective. Both plants are among the most efficient and reliable in the nation’s nuclear fleet. 

Who wants to shut them down?

That’s the thing — nobody, really. Exelon would prefer to keep them online, with CEO Chris Crane adding that the company “will continue our dialogue with policymakers on ways to prevent these closures.” Governor Pritker and his administration have acknowledged that “nuclear plants are integral to achieving our clean energy goals,” and would prefer not to lose nearly 30% of the state’s clean electricity generation.

Then why are they being shut down?

These nuclear plants are being forced to compete against historically-cheap natural gas in an electricity market that ignores the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. This means that nuclear power, which reliably powers the state without emitting air pollution, is treated the same as fossil fuels. As such, Byron and Dresden are unable to make money because fossil fuel plants are able to underbid them in market auctions.

What are the environmental implications of losing Byron and Dresden?

Over the last 10 years, nuclear plants in Vermont, California, Massachusetts and New York were closed prematurely and replaced by fossil fuels. If these nuclear plants are forced to close, they will be replaced by natural gas, leading to increases in air pollution and carbon emissions. Not only would this be a tragedy for the climate, but also for consumers who will pay somewhere around $480 million per year in higher rates.

Are there other economic implications of losing Byron and Dresden?

Nuclear plants are economic engines that provide permanent, high-wage, high-skill jobs for generations. And for every 100 nuclear power plant jobs, 66 more jobs are created in local communities. Replacing in-state nuclear generation with out-of-state natural gas will result in a net job loss for Illinois. Byron and Dresden alone employ more than 1,500 full-time employees and contribute nearly $63 million in taxes annually to support local schools, fire, police and other services

Can the plants keep operating? 

Yes! In fact, Dresden is licensed to operate for another decade and Byron for another 20 years. 

Can the decision be reversed?

Yes! The state is currently discussing options for protecting Byron and Dresden from market failure, and Exelon is open to any solutions that stop the plants from operating at a deficit. In 2016, support from the state saved the Quad Cities and Clinton nuclear power plants from premature closure due to similar issues.

Does this mean that this is just a bluff?

Absolutely not — Exelon means business when it says a plant isn’t making money and may have to close. Despite being licensed until 2029, Exelon shut down its Oyster Creek nuclear plant in New Jersey in 2018. And despite being licensed until 2034, Exelon shut down Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania in 2019. Without legislation from the state government, they will retire the four units at Byron and Dresden.