Exelon Generation’s fleet of six nuclear power stations in Illinois – two of which are scheduled for closure in the coming months – performed at 99.9% reliability during July's record heat wave.

Exelon executive Shane Marik said the nuclear facilities “are among the most reliable power plants in the country, and we know how important it is for them to be available during extremely hot weather conditions like we've experienced recently across Illinois”.

Exelon’s six nuclear station in Illinois, which between them produce more than 50% of the state’s electricity, are Braidwood, Byron, Clinton, Dresden, LaSalle and Quad Cities. The stations have a total of 11 reactor units in commercial operation.