Two Illinois nuclear plants operated by Exelon, which includes 1 in Ogle County, could be spared from mothballs because of new federal power auction rules taking effect.
Nukes have had a difficult time competing with wind turbines and generators powered by cheap natural gas, but the new rules level the playing field by giving nuclear plants credit for the fact that they operate continuously without concern for weather extremes.
That could give Exelon enough revenue to keep its nuclear plants in Byron and the Quad Cities in operation.