City must say no to extending IMEA electricity contract
I understand that the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) has requested a commitment from the city of Naperville to continue its contract with the city beyond the 2035 date, as currently contracted. I think making such a commitment is a very bad idea, and the Naperville City Council should vote against the proposed extension.
It was a mistake in 2007 to commit to such a very long contract in the first place, and it would certainly compound the error to extend it for an additional 20 years, until 2055.
New technologies for generating electricity have become available since 2007, including solar, wind and nuclear power and Naperville needs to find ways to take advantage of these more environmentally sustainable avenues instead of agreeing to continue getting our electricity from the coal-fired plants, as is currently the case.
Lower costs are nice, but not at the expense of contributing to the destruction of our environment by the use of coal. And lower costs are not guaranteed. Naperville stands to gain nothing from this proposed contract extension while IMEA stands to gain a guarantee to continue their business for another 30 years. It’s not at all in our interest to participate in their objective.
As a longtime citizen of Naperville, I request that the council vote “no” on this proposal.
Barbara Lipkin, Naperville
Long-term consequences of extending contract are dire
I am writing to bring attention to a pressing issue in Naperville that impacts thousands of residents: the proposed extension of our electricity contract with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) until 2055. This decision carries significant financial, environmental and public health consequences, making it an urgent topic for community discussion.
As a parent and Naperville resident, I have deep concerns about the city’s reliance on coal, which currently provides 80% of our electricity. Coal-fired power plants are among the largest contributors to air pollution, releasing toxins that increase health risks like asthma and heart disease. These concerns aren’t abstract; they directly affect people like me, who are raising families here.
Beyond health implications, the financial risks of this contract cannot be ignored. Locking Naperville into a 30-year, $2 billion agreement eliminates our ability to adopt more cost-effective and sustainable energy options. With Illinois moving toward 100% carbon-free energy by 2050, Naperville’s contract extension risks leaving the city behind in both innovation and affordability.
Naperville residents need to know the long-term impact this decision could have on their health, finances, and environment. I the amplification of this message and help encourage accountability and transparency in Naperville’s energy choices.
Rick Snyder, Naperville
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