Tue, Feb 17

NEWS: Exelon’s controversial play for affordable electricity

Exelon—parent to six regulated utilities that haven’t owned a power plant since spinning off Constellation in 2022—wants back into the generation business. (Semafor)

  • CEO Calvin Butler blames IPPs for underinvesting in new supply to profit from scarcity, leaving Exelon's customers with record-high prices as data center demand surges. The company is also requiring data centers to backstop their transmission costs and putting up $60M in shareholder money for bill relief.

  • Yes, but: IPPs are cautious about building because they eat the loss if demand doesn't materialize. Exelon would build as a regulated utility with guaranteed returns and ratepayer backstops. Critics warn the advantage could drive IPPs out of the market, ultimately shrinking the supply it claims to be solving for.

  • Get the rundown: Exelon COO Mike Innocenzo joined us on Power Perspectives last fall to talk about…you guessed it, owning generation in 2026. Hear Exelon leadership’s POV on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

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