Board’s IMEA decision not based on assumptions, not facts
As a Naperville resident, would you prefer that the city make decisions based on competitive bids, rigorous evaluation and community discussion or based on opinions and promises?
The League of Women Voters of Naperville was disappointed the Public Utilities Advisory Board recommended April 8 that the city renew its contract with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency 10 years before the current contract expires and for a term that would run from 2035 to 2055.
This vote was taken with no competitive bids, no requests for proposals and no community discussion.
We hope you are also disappointed — disappointed enough to ask the Naperville City Council to consider the city’s long-term energy options using a process different than that of advisory board.
The IMEA provides electricity to Naperville. Their contract with the city has been controversial for years because of its reliance on coal plants with a documented history of producing pollution that affects climate change and air quality.
Although certain board members believe Naperville ending its contract with IMEA will have no measurable impact on climate, the League and others advocate for renewable energy sources and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The decisions we all make make a difference.
The cost of electricity was hotly debated at the meeting. Unfortunately, the discussion appears to have been based on assumptions and preferences rather than facts and cost comparisons.
Fortunately, the board’s recommendation is only advisory. It is up to our council to vote on any contract extension.
The League advocates for policies to mitigate climate change and for transparency and accountability in government. We acknowledge the decision to renew the contract or make other energy choices is complicated but it’s vitally important to residents and businesses.
With this in mind, we urge the council to choose, and residents to demand, that the decision be made only after a clear and transparent process that includes:
- Rigorous evaluation, including realistic costs and sustainability goals;
- Council workshops to educate the council and residents;
- Community engagement, allowing input via public forums and written communication;
- A comprehensive energy strategy that involves stakeholders and experts before decisions are made.
We hope you will remain or become engaged in this decision whether you’re concerned about the cost to your pocketbook, the cost to the environment or the more intangible costs to our health and what we pay for severe weather events.
Susan Craighead, President
League of Women Voters of Naperville
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