Illinois Nuclear Resources

Nuclear Energy FAQs

What is a nuclear power plant?

A nuclear power plant is a type of power station that uses nuclear reactions to generate heat, which is then used in steam turbines to produce electricity. They harness the power of nuclear fission, the process by which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the process.

How many nuclear power plants are there in the United States?

There are approximately 93 commercial nuclear reactors spread across 56 nuclear power plants in the United States.

How many nuclear power plants are there in Illinois?

There are six stations in Illinois with electricity generated by two types of power reactors: Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) and Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR). Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) are located at the Dresden, Clinton, LaSalle, and Quad Cities Stations. Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) are located at the Braidwood and Byron Stations.

Is nuclear power safe?

Nuclear power is considered to be a safe way to generate electricity when all protocols are followed, and reactors are properly maintained. However, like any large-scale energy production, it has potential risks, most notably radiation exposure if a meltdown occurs. The industry has significantly improved safety measures and protocols, especially after incidents like Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima.

What is nuclear waste, and how is it handled in the United States?

Nuclear waste, also known as radioactive waste, is a byproduct from nuclear reactors, fuel processing plants, hospitals, and research facilities. It can remain radioactive and potentially harmful for thousands of years. In the United States, nuclear waste is currently stored at the nuclear power plants where it was generated. Long-term solutions include deep geological repositories, like the planned (but not yet operational) Yucca Mountain facility in Nevada.

How much of the United States' electricity comes from nuclear power?

Approximately 20% of the electricity generated in the United States came from nuclear power. It's the second-largest source of low-carbon electricity after hydropower.

What is a "nuclear microreactor"?

A nuclear microreactor, sometimes referred to as a small modular reactor (SMR), is a type of nuclear fission reactor which is smaller than conventional reactors. This small size makes them less expensive and allows for modular construction, improving scalability. They're designed to generate between 1 and 300 megawatts of electricity and are considered safer due to their passive safety systems.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear microreactors?

The benefits of nuclear microreactors include their small size, which allows for easier construction and siting, potential cost savings from mass production, and their enhanced safety features. They can also be a source of low-carbon, continuous power, ideal for remote areas or facilities with high energy needs. However, they share some of the challenges associated with traditional nuclear power, such as disposal of radioactive waste, public acceptance, and concerns about the potential for nuclear weapons proliferation.

Are there any plans for nuclear microreactors in the United States?

Yes, several companies and research institutions in the United States are considering development of nuclear microreactors. The U.S. Department of Energy also has been supportive of these efforts, seeing microreactors as a potential way to ensure energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support economic growth; click here for more information.

The 2023 spring legislative session saw a wide range of interest groups debate the merits of nuclear energy and its future, which led to ultimate passage of legislation that was vetoed by the Governor...

Illinois may lift historic ban on building nuclear power plants as state continues transition from coal and gas

By Dan Petrella for Chicago TribuneJuly 09, 2023

Gov. Pritzker vetoes bill that would have allowed new nuclear constructionPritzker on Friday vetoed a bill that would have lifted a 1980s moratorium on the construction of new nuclear reactors.

By Andrew Adams for Capitol News IllinoisAugust 11, 2023

However, the Governor's veto message of the 2023 spring legislation (click here) left open possible avenues for alternative small nuclear reactor (SMR) legislation, which was subsequently negotiated in November 2023 (click here), even as the first pontential SMR development was canceled that same month due increased costs and decreased subscriber projections...

Pritzker Signs Measure Allowing New Small-Scale Nuclear Technology in Illinois

By Jerry Nowicki for WTTWDecember 8, 2023

NuScale cancels first-of-a-kind nuclear project as costs surge

By Zach Bright for PoliticoNovember 9, 2023

Carbon Free Incentives FAQs

What is the credit to customers under the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)?

Under CEJA, a mechanism was established to balance the costs between nuclear power facilities and utility company customers. If the market prices for power are higher than the set price for nuclear power facilities, Constellation Energy Group, the nuclear power generator, is required to refund the difference. This results in a credit being applied to utility company customers' bills. Conversely, if market prices are lower, customers would pay the difference to Constellation and pass on the charges to the customers through a Carbon-Free Adjustment (CFRA) charge, or “clawback.”

What is the Carbon-Free Resource Adjustment (CFRA) charge?

The CFRA charge, or “clawback,” is a fee that appears on both residential and non-residential customers' bills. It was introduced as a part of the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) to recoup carbon mitigation investments.

What is an example of a Carbon-Free Resource Adjustment (CFRA) charge "clawback"?

In the context of ComEd's 2023 “clawback” actions, the CFRA operates as follows: Initially, ComEd provided credits to its customers under the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) based on certain market price conditions. However, when these conditions changed, ComEd sought to recover these credits. To do this, ComEd introduced a specific CFRA charge on customer bills. This charge is designed to recover the previously provided credits, and translates to about an 8% increase in electricity bills each month. Additionally, ComEd is adding a 5% interest on the amount being clawed back, further increasing the charge on customer bills. In summary, if a customer initially received a $50 credit on their bill due to favorable market conditions, they might now see an additional CFRA charge on their subsequent bills until the $50 credit is fully "clawed back" or recovered by ComEd with interest.

Why did ComEd provide credits to customers in the first place?

Under the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), if market prices for power turn out higher than the bailout price set for nuclear power facilities, Constellation Energy Group (the nuclear power generator) is required to refund the difference. This results in ComEd customers receiving a credit on their bill. Conversely, if the market prices are lower, ComEd pays Constellation the difference and bills the customers. ComEd had provided credits to customers that turned out to be overly generous, tied to payments under the 2021 clean-energy law.

How did ComEd allegedly mismanage the Carbon Free Resource Adjustment (CFRA) program?

Businesses filing an August 31, 2023 complaint with the Illinois Commerce Commission claim that ComEd did not disclose the true nature of its CFRA tariff revisions to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), and as a result, no hearings were held regarding the propriety of these tariff revisions, and no party had an opportunity to object to the impacts of ComEd’s revisions to the CFRA before they went into effect.

Sources:

Illinois Commerce Commission Complaint

On August 31, 2023, the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI) and several other complainants have filed a complaint against the Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) with the Illinois Commerce Commission. (Click Here for Regulatory Filing)

Parties Involved

The complainants include the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI), Loyola Academy, Rocknel Fastener, Inc., J&M Plating Inc., Ferrite International Company, Ironwood Industries, Inc., Ford Tool & Machining, LLC, Sanchem, Inc., and Sunshine Enterprise, LLC.

Main Allegation

The complaint alleges that ComEd is overcharging the complainants and CICI members for Carbon Free Resource Adjustment charges. The total overcharge is estimated to exceed $100.5 million.

Specific Charges

The current Carbon Free Resource Adjustment charge to the complainants and CICI members is 1.241 cents per kilowatt-hour. This charge includes an unlawful clawback from the complainants and CICI members of Carbon Free Resource Adjustment credits received during ComEd’s June 2022- May 2023 billing months. Through this overcharge, ComEd is forcing the complainants and CICI members to pay back an estimated total exceeding $100.5 million in Carbon Free Resource Adjustment credits, plus accrued compounded interest, during the June 2023 – May 2024 billing months.

Connection to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)

ComEd's actions are alleged to violate the CEJA because the company determined the amounts of the credits to be clawed back without Commission review and approval. The CEJA requires that the determination of the amounts of reconciliation charges for Carbon Free Resource Adjustment credits be made by the Commission in an annual reconciliation proceeding.

Relief Sought

The complainants request the Commission to order ComEd to stop billing Carbon Free Resource Adjustment charges that include charges to recover prior credits and accrued compounded interest. They also seek a refund of all such charges that occur before the cessation of these charges.

Illinois Nuclear Plant Closure History

Why did Exelon include the Byron plant in its closure plans?

"For years, Exelon has warned of more nuclear-plant closures, and the timetable for the ones at risk has been clear.

That schedule depended on promises the company made in auctions conducted years ahead of time to ensure that certain power plants would deliver in times of highest demand. The Dresden nuke’s pledges to deliver expire in mid-2021. Thus, it was no shock yesterday when Exelon announced the Dresden station in Grundy County would close next year."

By Steve Daniels for Crain's Chicago Business - August 28, 2020

Pritzker, Harmon push back hard on Exelon nuke closure warning

By Steve Daniels for Crain's Chicago Business - August 27, 2020

Legal cloud or no, CEO says Exelon will close nukes without spring bailout

By Steve Daniels for Crain's Chicago Business - October 31, 2019

"Now in the crosshairs: Exelon’s LaSalle power station in addition to the previously identified Byron, Braidwood and Dresden plants. Two other Illinois nukes, Clinton and Quad Cities, already are benefiting from more than $200 million a year in ratepayer subsidies, enacted in the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act."

Click Here for Crain's Review of Shutdown Process

Batinick, Cassidy sponsor bill to reverse Exelon subsidies from 2016In the wake of revelations that Chicago-based utility company ComEd and its parent company, nuclear giant Exelon, are at the center of multiple federal probes surrounding Chicago and Illinois polit…

By Hannah Meisel for The Daily Line - December 13, 2019

Exelon's hand is out for more nuke subsidies—and a power market referee cries foul

By Steve Daniels for Crain's Chicago Business - March 22, 2019

"Exelon's five nukes in Illinois collectively this year will turn an estimated profit of $472 million, according to the report. Each of them separately will make money. Even in 2021, when revenues are slated to fall from 2019 levels, the plants together have the capability of turning a profit of about $228 million, the report says.

The reason they all won't be able to do that in 2021 is because some of them didn't qualify for payments from businesses and consumers for their promise to produce during the highest-demand days of the year."

Click here for the 2018 State of the Market Report for PJM by Joseph Bowring with Monitoring Analytics, LLC)

Exelon threatens closure of three more Illinois nukes

By Steve Daniels for Crain's Chicago Business - February 12, 2019

February 13, 2019 press release from State Senator Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and State Representative David Allen Welter, R-Morris courtesy of Capitol Fax:

“The news of a potential shutdown of two of our nuclear power plants is extremely concerning to me and no doubt to the individuals and families who would be directly impacted,” said Sen. Rezin. “Not only do these facilities stimulate Illinois’ labor income and employment, but they also provide huge amounts to the local property tax base, supporting our school districts, higher education and local government. It is my hope that Exelon answers our call for a meeting so that we can begin the process of establishing a path forward.”

2018-2019 Nuclear Subsidy Litigation

Two Federal Courts May Have Just Saved The Nuclear Power IndustryWith natural gas prices low and cheap renewable energy flooding the markets, it’s been virtually impossible for many nuclear power plants to compete.

By Brian H. Potts for Forbes MagazineOctober 15, 2018

Will Supreme Court Determine that Power Markets are Competitive Markets, or Do They Remain the Province of Parochialism? | JD SupraIn an effort to maintain nuclear generation, some States resorted to zero emission credits (ZECS), providing subsidies on the basis that such were...

By Dickinson Wright for JD SupraJanuary 23, 2019

Supreme Court won't hear nuke subsidy cases, clarifying state energy jurisdictionThe decision not to hear challenges to Illinois and New York nuclear subsidies is the final ruling upholding those policies, which can now serve as legal models for other states.

By Gavin Bade for Utility DiveApril 15, 2019

Although more traditional litigation through the judicial branch appeared to run it's course in April 2019 when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear challenges to Illinois' and New York's nuclear subsidies, regulatory activity still remained important to the future of the "clean energy" subsidy debate...

In December 2019, the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission handed down a ruling that involved at least some of the price floor predictions being debated in states with clean energy subsidies and nuclear plants...

FERC rules clean energy sources must bid higher market priceThe U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday directed the largest U...

From Reuters - December 19, 2019

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, which is largely a coalition of advocacy groups, took a dim view of the December 2019 FERC ruling (click here for their statement); however, clean energy generators will also potentially take a position, and the late 2019 separation of Exelon from these groups (click here) means nuclear plants may try to position themselves on their own as well.

2019 Nuclear & "Clean Energy" Legislation

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2:

Adds additional requirements concerning the obligations of alternative retail electric suppliers and alternative gas suppliers.
Provides requirements concerning alternative retail electric and gas supplier utility assistance recipients.
Provides additional requirements concerning alternative retail electric and gas supplier utility single billing.
Authorizes electric utilities to disclose and furnish specified information to customers concerning supply price and electric power and energy supply rate offers.
Provides for additional information concerning electric and gas utilities to be submitted to the Illinois Commerce Commission in specified reports.
Provides that the utility electric supply price to compare shall be the sum of the electric supply charge and the transmission services charge and shall not include the purchased electricity adjustment.
Provides additional requirements concerning alternative retail electric supplier and alternative gas supplier selection and solicitation of services.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 3:

In marketing materials, requires the price to compare or utility gas supply cost rate beginning on (rather than on) the effective date of the price to compare.
Provides that an agreement between an alternative retail electric supplier and a consumer who either received financial assistance in the last 12 months from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or, at the time of enrollment, is participating in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan is void and unenforceable.
Requires that alternative gas suppliers submit to the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Office of the Attorney General the rates the retail gas supplier charged to residential customers in the prior year (rather than prior quarter).
In provisions requiring alternative gas suppliers to disclose the utility gas supply cost rates per therm price to compare, requires the alternative gas supplier to disclose the date on which the utility gas supply cost rates per therm became effective and the date on which they will expire.
Requires that certain written information provided by an alternative retail gas supplier to a customer switching from another supplier shall be provided in a language in which the customer subject to the marketing or solicitation is able to understand and communicate, and the alternative retail gas supplier shall comply with specified provisions of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Makes changes in provisions concerning alternative retail gas supplier and utility assistance recipients.

House Committee Amendment No. 1:

Authorizes the Illinois Power Agency to develop capacity procurement plans and conduct competitive procurement processes for the procurement of capacity to meet the capacity requirements of all retail customers of electric utilities that serve at least 3,000,000 retail customers in this State.
Provides for the goal that no later than the delivery year commencing June 1, 2032, the Agency's procurement plans and processes shall include bundled clean capacity in an amount equal to 100% of the electric load measured in megawatt-hours for all retail customers of electric utilities that serve more than 3,000,000 customers in this State.
Requires the Planning and Procurement Bureau to develop plans and processes and conduct competitive procurement events to procure capacity for all retail customers of electric utilities that serve at least 3,000,000 retail customers in this State that are located in the Applicable Fixed Resource Requirement Service Area of PJM Interconnection, LLC.
Establishes requirements for procurement of contracts for capacity by the Illinois Power Agency for electric utilities serving at least 3,000,000 retail customers in this State located in the Applicable Fixed Resource Requirement Service Area of PJM Interconnection, LLC.
Provides additional findings that the Illinois Commerce Commission must make in granting an application for a certificate of service authority for alternative retail electric suppliers and alternative gas suppliers.
Provides additional requirements for an alternative retail electric supplier or alternative gas supplier to comply with when marketing, offering, and providing products or services to residential and small commercial retail customers.
Makes changes concerning rates that may be charged by an alternative retail electric supplier, alternative gas supplier, or electric utility or gas utility other than the utility in whose service area a retail customer is located to a customer at the beginning of a contract term or for any renewal term.
Provides that the Commission may require an alternative retail electric supplier or alternative gas supplier to enter into a compliance plan if the Commission concludes that an alternative retail electric supplier is violating the Act or the Commission's rules.
Provides that any person or entity licensed to engage in the procurement or sale of retail electricity supply for third parties must disclose to each customer the amount of the compensation being charged by the agent, broker, or consultant.
Contains provisions concerning alternative retail electric supplier and alternative gas supplier utility assistance recipients; variable gas rate contracts; and expanded use of energy savings programs.
Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1:

Creates the Clean Jobs Workforce Hubs Act, the Expanding Clean Energy Entrepreneurship Act, the Community Energy and Climate Planning Act, and the Clean Energy Empowerment Zones Act to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and reduce carbon pollution related to transportation.
Requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to administer a program to increase employment opportunities related to clean energy projects. Provides for the creation of a clean jobs curriculum to increase workforce skills.
Provides for the promotion of opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses in clean energy development. Establishes a framework to achieve 100% reliance on renewable energy. Amends the Electric Vehicle Act, the Illinois Power Agency Act, the School Code, the Public Utilities Act, and the Environmental Protection Act to make changes to implement the new programs.
Repeals the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998.
Effective immediately.

Synopsis as Introduced:

Amends the Illinois Enterprise Zone Act to provide that a business that intends to establish a new utility-scale solar power facility may apply for a high impact business designation.
Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act to increase the long-term renewable procurement plan goals after the 2025 delivery year.
Requires the long-term renewable procurement plan to include the procurement of new renewable energy credits.
Provides that the Adjustable Block program shall be designed to be continuously open.
Authorizes utilities to recover certain costs related to the Adjustable Block program.
Excludes certain costs from a limitation on the costs of the Adjustable Block program.
Amends the Public Utilities Act to require the Illinois Commerce Commission to open a proceeding to update the interconnection standards and applicable utility tariffs.
Requires the Commission to revise certain standards for interconnection based on specified criteria.
Establishes an interconnection working group.
Makes changes to provisions concerning net metering and the distributed generation rebate.
Requires the Commission, in consultation with the Illinois Power Agency, to study and produce a report analyzing the potential for and barriers to the implementation of energy storage in Illinois.
Requires the Agency to include a plan to procure energy from energy storage resources as part of its procurement plan for 2021.
Extends a provision concerning a review, reconciliation, and true-up associated with renewable energy resources' collections and costs.
Effective immediately.

Senate Committee Amendment No. 1:

Provides that renewable energy credits procured from new wind projects and new utility-scale solar projects pursuant to Illinois Power Agency procurement events occurring after this amendatory Act must be from facilities built by contractors that must enter into a project labor agreement prior to construction.
Provides that a copy of the project labor agreement shall be filed with the Agency. Defines "contractor" and "project labor agreement".

House Floor Amendment No. 1:

Requires the Illinois Power Agency and the Illinois Commerce Commission to include sourcing agreements covering power produced by clean coal facilities in each annual power procurement plan.
Provides that the Agency and Commission shall require utilities and the alternate retail electric suppliers to enter into sourcing agreements as part of the annual power procurement process.
Requires the Agency and Commission to establish a competitive procedure to solicit and receive proposed sourcing terms from producers of clean coal power interested in selection for sourcing agreements, which procedure shall include a method of selection for inclusion in those agreements.
Provides that the sourcing agreements shall be subject to specified provisions.
Provides that the owners of clean coal facilities may offer proposals to the Agency sourcing agreements with utilities and alternate retail electric suppliers required to comply with specified provisions.
Provides for the establishment of specified sourcing agreement contract prices.
Provides that the sourcing agreements shall be included under and governed by provisions of the Public Utilities Act.