The closure of four commercial reactors at the Byron and Dresden nuclear power stations in the US, which are licensed to operate for between another 10 to 20 years, would cause Illinois consumers and businesses to pay $313m more annually for electricity, or $3.1bn more over a decade, according to an updated report on the economic losses and environmental impact of the planned shutdowns.

The new version of the Brattle Group’s Illinois Nuclear Impacts Report says the two stations boost Illinois’ economy, generate money for local communities and support thousands of family-sustaining jobs in their regions.

The Byron and Dresden stations alone prevent more than 20 million metric tons of CO2 each year – like taking nearly 4.5 million cars off the road.