An Exelon Corp. executive told Illinois legislators yesterday that the fate of three unprofitable nuclear plants in the state will be decided later this summer and that action on a bill to help them survive must be passed before the General Assembly adjourns a month from now.

The U.S. electric sector has broadly welcomed a federal proposal that would clear the way for wide commercial use of drones. It's easy to see why. Small unmanned aircraft systems -- commonly called drones -- offer a convenient way for utilities to inspect transmission lines and investigate storm damage. But recent security breaches have given some in the power industry pause.