THE VILLAGE SHOULD TALK TO ALTERNATIVE POWER SUPPLIERS
Winnetka purchases its electric power through the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA). IMEA is asking Winnetka and all of its members to sign a 20-year contract extension worth $200 million—10 years before our current contract expires. The contract extension would end in 2055.
In 2007 Winnetka invested in a coal plant IMEA claimed would cost half of what it actually did to build. [Chicago Tribune] IMEA also claimed the plant would be “clean,” but it’s now regarded as one of the deadliest coal plants in the U.S. [Sierra Club] IMEA is requesting we lock into their supply for 30 years , and expects us to trust a 'Net Zero Sustainability Plan' that lacks sufficient detail, transparency, or contractual guarantees.
In February, the Chicago Tribune editorial board wrote that IMEA should give its members reasonable time to figure out their energy futures. The board also said Winnetka, Naperville, and St. Charles should tell IMEA they will decide on the matter on their own timelines while being responsive to IMEA’s planning needs. Naperville and St. Charles have not signed the contract extension.
Please join us at the May 13 Village Council meeting to ask Trustees to take time and BID THE CONTRACT.
WINNETKA'S DIRTY SECRET
While the rest of Illinois switches to renewable energy, Winnetka is considering locking into a no-price contract with coal plant owners.
Costly:
Coal is increasingly uneconomic compared to alternatives such as solar, wind, and battery. It’s folly to believe there will be a 25% price reduction when the coal investment debt is paid, as additional costs will likely be incurred for new electric generation sources.
Risky:
The proposed contract has no prices, no price guarantees, no renewable targets, and no chance to leave the contract if IMEA underperforms. It caps alternative generation to 10% of our annual usage, despite major innovations in renewable technologies on the horizon.
Dirty:
IMEA’s energy mix is 80% coal, 2.4x more carbon intensive than Wilmette’s mix. Because IMEA is part-owner of two coal plants, there is very little chance this will change before these plants are forced to close.
opportunities & risks of the proposed IMEA contract
Joining a nonprofit agency like IMEA is intended to result in better accountability, transparency, and flexibility to account for local priorities. But this contract, as written, fails to deliver on those ideals.
Opportunity to Negotiate a Better Contract
- No price protections. IMEA should provide pricing expectations and show a breakdown between energy and transmission and other services.
- No performance standards. There is no way to hold IMEA accountable for meeting and sort of goals, nor are goals even defined.
- No sustainability targets with consequences for missing them.
- Limited opportunity to express our preferences. 10% local generation is too low.
- Governance is limited. Our single seat on a 32-member board of directors provides only limited ability to sway policies.
- Lacks services and benefits neighboring communities enjoy, such as the ability to peak shave.
- Duration: Typical power contracts are 1–5 years; this is 20 years.
- IMEA can bail out of the contract if too few members re-sign, leaving Winnetka in the lurch.
Risks of IMEA's Undiversified Portfolio
80% of IMEA's energy comes from two coal plants.
- Market Risks: If electricity market prices fall and Winnetka is locked into a relatively high rate.
- Asset Risks: If one or both of IMEA's two coal plants fail.
- Regulatory Risks: If the coal plants are forced to shut down. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) requires Prairie State (one of the two coal plants) to achieve zero emissions by 2045. How will they do it, and what will it cost?
Attend the Next Village Council Meeting
Speak out during public comments at the next Village Council meeting:
May 20, June 3, June 10
Write to the Village Council
Tell the Village Council to get bids from other power suppliers. Write to contactcouncil@winnetka.org. If you know any Village Trustees personally, reach out to them directly.
BID THE CONTRACT
Stay Connected
Help Fund our Efforts
Help Fund our Efforts
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and events from the Winnetka Future Energy Coalition. Follow us on Facebook, and sign up for our mailing list.
Help Fund our Efforts
Help Fund our Efforts
Help Fund our Efforts
Help us to defray the costs of social media marketing, flyers, and signs by donating.
Watch the Presentation and Q & A at the May 13 Village Council Meeting
Watch President Rintz's Comments About the IMEA Contract at the April 15 Village Council Meeting
Watch President Rintz's Comments About the IMEA Contract at the April 15 Village Council Meeting
Watch the Winnetka Future Energy Coalition's presentation beginning at 54:45. Village Council Q & A is available at 1:32.
Watch President Rintz's Comments About the IMEA Contract at the April 15 Village Council Meeting
Watch President Rintz's Comments About the IMEA Contract at the April 15 Village Council Meeting
Watch President Rintz's Comments About the IMEA Contract at the April 15 Village Council Meeting
President Rintz's comments begin at 17:00 on the video.
Watch the Public Comment at the March 4 Village Council Meeting
Watch President Rintz's Comments About the IMEA Contract at the April 15 Village Council Meeting
Watch the Public Comment at the March 4 Village Council Meeting
Several community members voiced their concerns during public comment at the beginning of this Village Council meeting.
WFEC Feb 27 Letter to Trustees
Read the Feb 26 Chicago Tribune Editorial
Watch the Public Comment at the March 4 Village Council Meeting
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.
Read the Feb 26 Chicago Tribune Editorial
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
Read the Feb 26 Chicago Tribune Editorial
Read the Feb 26 Chicago Tribune Editorial
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
WFEC Feb 3 Letter to Trustees
WFEC Feb 3 Letter to Trustees
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.
Questions for IMEA
Watch the RMI Presentation
Watch the RMI Presentation
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 Dec 10 Study Session
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
Read Go Green Winnetka's Blog
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
Read Go Green Winnetka's Blog
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 First IMEA Presentation
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.
