By Eric Stock
CHICAGO – After months of threats that it would close the nuclear plants at Clinton and Quad Cities and lawmakers didn’t offer some relief, Exelon Corp. has announced plans to retire the Clinton plant in June 2017 and the Cordova plant in June 2018.
Exelon said the two plants have lost a combined $800 million in the past seven years, despite being two of Exelon’s best performing plants.
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“It’s a very sad day here at the power station,” Clinton Station Communications Manager Brett Nauman said. “Me and 700 other employees did not want this to happen and it has happened. We’re not handling it great.”
The closings will put about 1,500 employees out of work. Company officials say they recognize the severe impact the closures will have on the host communities and will work with civic leaders to prepare for the transition.
Exelon had lobbied for legislation would have added a fee to Illinois utility bills and provided more solar energy opportunities in the state, but that bill did not advance during the spring session.
“This is an extremely difficult day for the 1,500 employees who operate these plants safely and reliably every day, and the communities that depend on them for support,” said Chris Crane, Exelon president and CEO. “We have worked for several years to find a sustainable path forward in consultation with federal regulators, market operators, state policymakers, plant community leaders, labor and business leaders, as well as environmental groups and other stakeholders. Unfortunately, legislation was not passed, and now we are forced to retire the plants.”
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) said he will continue to urge state legislative leaders to find a legislative solution that will allow Illinois’ nuclear plants to continue to operate.
“It’s time to put politics aside, and find a solution that recognizes the benefits of nuclear energy and the economic opportunities it provides our state,” Davis said.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
