Exelon executives and lobbyists have reportedly warned legislators in Illinois that several reactors employing 2,300 people in the state might be shut down unless market conditions improve.Citing off-the-record interviews and documents circulating in the state legislature, Crain's Chicago Business reported Monday that the Byron, Quad Cities and Clinton plants are at risk of closure. In addition to an abundance of natural gas holding down wholesale power prices, periods of excess wind generation can drastically cut spot prices and force reactors in the region to operate at a loss. Similar market conditions caused Dominion to close its Kewaunee plant in Wisconsin last year.Crain's reported that Exelon lobbyists have floated the idea of a clean energy standard or credit that would provide extra payments for the plants. A company statement, though, denied it has asked for legislation that would change market conditions and did not provide further details on potential plant closures.The sites in question together generate nearly 5,300 megawatts from five reactors.
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