North Egypt News

State Senator Terri Bryant expressed her approval following Vistra's announcement to extend the operations of the Baldwin Power Plant. She conveyed her response in a Facebook post dated December 18.

"I am thrilled by Vistra's decision to extend the Baldwin Power Plant's operations for two more years," said Bryant, according to Facebook. "This announcement brings much-needed relief to the hundreds of workers and families who depend on the plant for their livelihoods, as well as the local businesses and communities that benefit from its energy production. This decision underscores the value of Baldwin's workforce and the plant's critical role in ensuring energy reliability for Illinois."

On December 17, Vistra announced the connection of two utility-scale solar facilities to the grid, thereby extending the operation of the 1,185-megawatt Baldwin Power Plant through 2027, instead of its planned retirement in 2025. "Vistra is committed to the responsible transition of our fleet in Illinois, and in this case, the most reasonable path forward is to continue to operate the plant as a reliable bridge to 2027, as we, and others, bring new generation assets online in the state," said Jim Burke, President and CEO of Vistra. He added that many organizations have raised concerns over reliability and resource adequacy in central and southern Illinois. "We are taking action and delivering solutions that balance the needs of reliability, affordability, and sustainability," Burke said.

Screenshot of Sen. Terri Bryant's Dec. 18 Facebook post | State Senator Terri Bryant's Facebook page

In 2020, Vistra had announced plans to close both Baldwin and Joppa power plants by 2025. According to a report by WSILTV, Vista Energy took ownership of these plants in 2018. "Our team members have gone above and beyond to make these plants viable," Burke said at that time when he was COO of Vistra. He noted that they have been safely powering communities with affordable electricity for decades. The advance notice of retirements provides ample time to work with impacted employees and communities on easing closure impacts.

Bryant shared a link on her website containing a detailed statement regarding the extension decision. "I will continue to work with Vistra, local leaders, and stakeholders to advocate for policies that protect energy reliability and promote economic growth in Southern Illinois," she wrote. Bryant emphasized that keeping Baldwin Power Plant operational through 2027 ensures it remains integral to the region’s energy and economic landscape.

According to her official biography, Bryant has represented Illinois' 58th District since 2021 after serving seven years in the Illinois House of Representatives. Her career includes two decades at the Illinois Department of Corrections from 1994-2014. Currently, she serves as Minority Spokesperson for several committees including Energy and Public Utilities.