Six mayors in Illinois have joined forces in the effort to prevent Exelon nuclear power plants in their communities from closing due to economic reasons.
Similar to the R.E. Ginna Nuclear Power Station in New York, which reached a support services agreement with Rochester Gas & Electric, possibly saving it from immediate closure, Exelon has said its nuclear facilities in Illinois are in trouble financially. The company has six nuclear facilities in the state and at least three may have to close if shortfalls are not corrected, Exelon has said.
The state government, which released an impact statement on the issue in January, has said that closing three plants would mean the loss of more than 7,800 jobs and $1.8 billion in annual economic activity. The closures would also push up cost of electricity in Illinois and create $18 billion in losses due to the switch to electricity generated by burning fossil fuels.
In a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner and influential legislators, the mayors of Quad City, Braceville, Clinton, Ill., Marseilles, Morris and Oregon reminded the lawmakers that thousands of jobs in their communities were at risk “Part of the upcoming debate in Springfield should focus on what these plants mean to their host communities. From our firsthand perspective, we can tell you that Illinois' nuclear facilities are essential to helping our communities thrive,” the letter said.
The letter, which has just surfaced, is dated Feb 4.
While a possible SSA between Ginna and Rochester Gas & Electric looks to prevent a closure for three years, the agreement struck earlier this month has yet to be approved by the New York State Public Services Commission, which has to sign off on the deal for it to take effect.