Electricity Cost and Environmental Effects of Retiring the Quad Cities and Clinton Nuclear Plants
Prepared for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association
At the request of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, The Brattle Group has estimated the effect that two Illinois nuclear plants, the Quad Cities and Clinton plants, have on electricity costs to Illinois consumers, and on emissions of CO2 and other pollutants. These two plants are facing particular financial challenges in the current environment of low wholesale power prices, such that their long-term financial viability is under threat. We found that, absent these two nuclear plants, Illinois consumers would pay more for electricity, and there would be substantially higher emissions of CO2 and other pollutants.
