Dupage Policy Journal

Dear Naperville City Council,

The City of Naperville is at a pivotal decision point: whether to renew its long-term contract with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA). While I currently serve as Chairman of the Public Utilities Advisory Board (PUAB), the views expressed in this message are my own.

The Naperville City Council’s Mission Statement is clear:

“To provide services that ensure a high quality of life, sound fiscal management, and a dynamic business environment, while creating an inclusive community that values diversity.”

Our elected officials are entrusted with decisions that align with these principles. Continuing our partnership with IMEA strongly supports each pillar of this mission.

1. High Quality of Life

Renewing with IMEA ensures reliable, stable, and affordable power. Access to energy that is 45% carbon-free enhances environmental quality and affordability—cornerstones of a high standard of living for all Naperville residents.

2. Sound Fiscal Management

IMEA’s not-for-profit structure, ownership of its own generation assets, and long-term power cost predictability have resulted in power costs at least 30% lower than the ComEd Utility. These savings are passed on directly to our residents and businesses.

The previous bond investments made by IMEA will ensure keeping current and future energy prices low.

If Naperville walks away:

• We have lost the investment made over the past 15 years in paying down our share of IMEA’s infrastructure.

• We remain obligated for 10 more years of payment without receiving benefits for paying off approximately $650,000,000 in bonds.

• We forfeit access to lower-cost energy—estimated at $25/MWh, when the bonds are paid off, continuing to make our power costs cheaper than market alternatives.

That is not sound fiscal management.

3. Dynamic Business Environment

IMEA enables predictable long-term power costs—critical for businesses planning multi-year investments. Affordable electricity encourages business growth, supports jobs, and drives sales tax revenue—revenue that funds essential city services.

Leaving IMEA risks exposing Naperville businesses to the volatility of a profit-driven energy market amid rising regional energy demands and shrinking generation capacity.

4. Inclusive Community that Values Diversity

Affordable, stable energy disproportionately benefits residents with lower incomes and supports socioeconomic diversity. By staying with IMEA, we protect vulnerable populations from rising utility costs that could otherwise make Naperville unaffordable.

Walking away from IMEA would make our city less accessible to a broad and diverse range of residents—contrary to our shared commitment to inclusion.

Final Thoughts

The PUAB has reviewed this issue extensively since February. The data and outcomes are clear. IMEA’s future is strong—with or without Naperville—but Naperville risks significant financial and social costs by leaving.

This decision requires leadership and resolve. Upholding your responsibility to the community means making choices consistent with the City Council’s own mission. I urge you to renew Naperville’s contract with IMEA—for today’s residents and generations to come.

Sincerely,

Louis Halkias

Chairman, Public Utilities Advisory Board (serving in personal capacity)