Exelon Announces Plans To Close Byron Nuclear Plant By 2021
The closure of the nearby Byron nuclear plant appears to be imminent unless lawmakers make a few changes.
We recognize this comes as many of our communities are still recovering from the economic and public health impacts of the pandemic, and we will continue our dialogue with policymakers on ways to prevent these closures.
For now, Byron is set to close in September of 2021, along with the Dresden plant in November later that year.
According to the press release, both plants employ 1,500 people and an extra 2,000 in supplemental employees.
Schools, fire, police, and other services will be directly impacted by the closure of both plants due to the $63 million in taxes they both pay out yearly.
Exelon expects to make it official within the next 30 days of the closure. In addition, any capital investment projects will be terminated.
Critics have warned against bailouts of Exelon’s aging nuclear operations, but the company insists state purchasing laws can be changed without saddling ratepayers with more costs. Keeping the plants going holds down electricity prices by adding market competition, Exelon has said.
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