New Analysis of Exelon Bailout by BEST Coalition

Statement by Illinois PIRG Director Abe Scarr

Illinois PIRG

“The Exelon bailout costs us not only as ratepayers but also as taxpayers. If the Exelon bailout becomes law, Chicago taxpayers would be on the hook for an estimated five million dollars a year for over five years — on top of increases to their utility bills.

“Exelon continues to claim that several of its nuclear power plants face imminent closure without state intervention. At the same time, they are participating in regional capacity auctions and winning new ratepayer subsidies that not only mean windfalls of tens of millions of dollars, but also require them to keep their plants open into the near future.

“Illinois legislators should reject Exelon’s attempt to pad their profits at our expense and instead support the bipartisan Illinois Clean Jobs Bill, which has broad support from a diverse coalition of environmental, faith, public health and consumer organizations, as well as businesses, labor, and local elected officials.”