NRG Coal-Fired Power Plant To Close Romeoville Location In 2022

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Energy company NRG is closing two of its Illinois coal plants, including one in Romeoville, citing economic pressures and a transition from coal as reasons, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The plants will be retired in June 2022.

The Romeoville plant, where NRG previously decided to shut down one of two coal plant units in 2014, currently employs 46 workers, according to the Sun-Times. The Waukegan location, which is also being shut down at the same time, employs 65 people.

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At a recent auction, NRG secured lower-than-expected prices for supplying electricity to a region stretching from Illinois to the East Coast, the Chicago Tribune reported, which played into its decision to close the plants.

The company's decision to close two of its three Illinois plants leaves one remaining in Pekin.

NRG said in a statement it will provide transition assistance and severance for the employees.

"We understand the impact this decision will have on our employees and the local communities," the company said in a statement. "Employees will have the opportunity to apply for open positions within NRG."