Exelon, Clinton Power Station rally lawmakers to pass two-percent electric bill hike

Posted on May 6, 2015

Exelon is lobbying lawmakers to pass legislation to help three power stations open in Illinois, including the Clinton Power Station. (WJBC file photo)

By Joe Ragusa

CLINTON – Exelon is rallying support for two pieces of legislation that would create the Illinois Low Carbon Portfolio Standard. The identical bills in the House and Senate would add a two-percent surcharge to people’s electric bills.

Brett Nauman, communications director for the Clinton Power Station, said the extra charge is desperately needed.

“What possibly could happen is the Clinton station could close down, and Exelon could have to shut it down prematurely,” Nauman said. “This bill would protect plants for at least five or six years.”

Nauman said the legislation, HB 3293 and SB 1585, would help the state comply with new federal regulations to reduce the state’s carbon emissions by 30 percent by the year 2030.

Opposition groups, like AARP Illinois and the Better Energy Solutions for Tomorrow coalition, say Exelon is lying when it says the power plants in Illinois are struggling and the power company hasn’t shown anyone the numbers to prove that claim.

LISTEN: WJBC’s Terry James speaks with Clinton Power Station Communications Director Brett Nauman about legislation that would add roughly two dollars per month to everyone’s electric bill.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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