The Illinois Senate has passed a bill that aims to prevent two nuclear power stations from shutting this autumn, sending the legislation to the House where it was uncertain if the chamber would bring the legislation to a vote.

The Senate voted 39-16 to pass a wide-ranging energy bill. The bill contains more than $600m in carbon mitigation credits for nuclear plants which generate virtually emissions-free electricity.

Exelon is planning to close four units at the Byron and Dresden facilities without some form of state aid to provide compensation for their clean power.