WINNETKA FUTURE ENERGY COALITION (WFEC)
Powering a Sustainable Tomorrow
At Go Green Winnetka, our mission is to create a sustainable future for all. We believe that everyone can make an impact and that small actions can lead to big changes. Through our initiatives and advocacy, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability and empower individuals and communities to take action. Because of this, Go Green Winnetka is a proud sponsor of the Winnetka Future Energy Coalition.
The Winnetka Future Energy Coalition was established in the summer of 2024 in response to the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency’s (IMEA) request for its 32 member communities to renew their energy contracts a decade ahead of schedule. The proposed renewal would lock Winnetka into IMEA’s coal-heavy energy mix—currently 80% coal-fired—until 2055.
A Brief Timeline
Please see corresponding links below.
May 14, 2024: IMEA presents its request for Winnetka to renew its contract early
July 9, 2024: The Village Council discusses next steps for the consideration of the proposed power sales contract
Summer 2024: A group of concerned residents came together to form the Winnetka Future Energy Coalition (WFEC)
October 22, 2024: The WFEC hosted a public forum to help Winnetka explore its options
December 10, 2024: Mark Pruitt of the Power Bureau LLC presented at a Village Council Study Session
February 3, 2025: The WFEC Leadership Team sent a letter to the trustees
February 11, 2025: IMEA was given a second chance to persuade Winnetka to renew its contract at a Village Council Study Session
February 27, 2025: The WFEC Leadership Team sent another letter to the trustees.
March 4, 2025: All interested residents are invited to attend the next Village Council meeting to voice their concerns during public comment at the beginning of the meeting.
GET UP TO SPEED WITH THESE IMPORTANT LINKS AND FILES
WFEC Feb 27 Letter to Trustees
On Feb 27, 2025, the WFEC Leadership Team sent a letter to the Village Council encouraging them to hold off signing the IMEA renewal until after the April 30 deadline, in order to give them more time to explore their options. Critical components necessary to reach the best decision for the village and its residents are missing.
Prairie State Coal Ash Landfill
The Prairie State Coal Ash landfill is approximately one square mile in size. Coal ash is a toxic byproduct of burning coal that can contaminate groundwater and drinking water supplies.
Read the Feb 26 Chicago Tribune Editorial
Read the Feb 26 Chicago Tribune Editorial
On Feb 26, the Chicago Tribune published an editorial asking IMEA to give its suburban members more time to figure out their energy futures.
Watch the Second IMEA Presentation
Watch the Second IMEA Presentation
Watch the Second IMEA Presentation
On Feb 11, 2025, IMEA was given a second chance to persuade Winnetka to renew its contract at a Village Council Study Session. Many residents showed up to voice their concerns.
WFEC Feb 3 Letter to Trustees
Watch the Second IMEA Presentation
Watch the Second IMEA Presentation
On Feb 3, 2025, the WFEC Leadership Team sent a letter to the Village Council with questions and resources in advance of the Feb 11 study session, in which IMEA will be given a second chance to persuade the Village to sign the contract renewal.
List of Consultants
Watch the Second IMEA Presentation
List of Consultants
Along with the Feb 3 letter to the trustees, WFEC compiled a list of firms that could be retained to help Winnetka with its decision.
Questions for IMEA
Watch the RMI Presentation
List of Consultants
Along with the Feb 3 letter to the trustees, WFEC compiled a list of suggested questions for IMEA to answer.
Watch the RMI Presentation
Watch the RMI Presentation
Watch the RMI Presentation
On Jan 22, 2025, RMI presented to the St. Charles community about IMEA and alternatives to IMEA. The presentation is 16 minutes long, see 23:00 to 39:00.
RMI Presentation Slides
Watch the RMI Presentation
Watch the RMI Presentation
As a partner in IMEA, St. Charles has a similar decision to make regarding its energy future. These slides from Jan 22 presentation help illuminate the issue.
Watch the Dec 10 Study Session
Watch the Dec 10 Study Session
Watch the Dec 10 Study Session
The Village Council engaged the services of Mark Pruitt of the Power Bureau, LLC, who broadly discussed our power purchasing options.
Watch the Forum
Watch the Dec 10 Study Session
Watch the Dec 10 Study Session
On October 22, 2024, the WFEC hosted a public forum that over 120 people attended in person and online to explore our options.
Read Go Green Winnetka's Blog
Watch the Dec 10 Study Session
Watch the July 9 Study Session
Read this blog dated Sept 30, 2024
Powering Our Future
Is It Time to Forge a Different Path?
Winnetka Faces a Consequential Decision
Watch the July 9 Study Session
Watch the First IMEA Presentation
Watch the July 9 Study Session
The Village Council held a study session on July 9, 2024, during which the next steps for consideration of the proposed power sales contract were discussed. Begin watching at 25:50.
Watch the First IMEA Presentation
Watch the First IMEA Presentation
Watch the First IMEA Presentation
The Village Council held a study session on May 14, 2024, in which IMEA presented their request to renew our energy contract early.
WINNETKA FUTURE ENERGY COALITION NEWSLETTERS
February 28, 2025
February 28, 2025
February 28, 2025
A message to our supporters, asking them to attend the March 4 Village Council meeting
February 5, 2025
February 28, 2025
February 28, 2025
A letter to the Village of Winnetka Board of Trustees
January 31, 2025
February 28, 2025
January 31, 2025
A letter to our supporters, asking them to attend the February 11 study session
January 24, 2025
January 24, 2025
January 31, 2025
Save the Date: Please attend the February 11, 2025 Study Session
December 9, 2024
January 24, 2025
December 9, 2024
A Call to Action: Please attend the December 10 Study Session
January 24, 2025
December 9, 2024