NO IMEA Contract Extension
NO IMEA Contract Extension
The Issue
YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED NOW
The Village of Winnetka is considering signing a 20-year extension of our current electrical power generation contract with IMEA. The Village Council is introducing the ordinance tomorrow, June 3 and can vote in favor of it at any time. Here are the facts:
o 80% of IMEA’s supply come from 2 coal fired power plants: Prairie State, IL and Trimble County, KY. Prairie State is a major contributor to harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, as well as carbon dioxide in the U.S.
o Neighboring communities have moved to power solutions that are significantly less carbon intensive. In 2024, Winnetka pays 15.2% more for power supply than the wholesale ComEd price.
o Technology associated with power generation is changing at a rapid pace, and is getting cheaper. IMEA is way behind in keeping up with technology for clean energy.
o It is too early to sign a contract extension. The current IMEA contract doesn't expire until 2035. Per the contract, we don't need to decide on renewal until 2030. We cannot get bids from alternative suppliers this early.
o Going with alternative suppliers will not change the reliability of electricity delivery. The Village will still own its distribution and maintenance, and still be delivering the power. IMEA is not responsible for the reliability of our power.
o Two other IMEA members, Naperville and St. Charles do not plan to sign the IMEA contract extension until they've done more homework. Both are looking into ways to move to clean energy.
o The contract extension is worth over $200 million. This financially and environmentally impactful decision will affect every resident and business through 2055.
o IMEA is using a scare tactic with Winnetka that if the contract extension is not signed now, we will be penalized.
Because of the above facts, let's tell the Village Council NOT to sign the contract extension 5 years before they need to by having everyone in your household sign the petition AND email the Council members at ContactCouncil@winnetka.org to tell them NOT to extend the IMEA contract for 20 more years. We want to reach 1,000 signatures.
We are not asking for any money to be donated.
93
The Issue
YOUR ACTION IS NEEDED NOW
The Village of Winnetka is considering signing a 20-year extension of our current electrical power generation contract with IMEA. The Village Council is introducing the ordinance tomorrow, June 3 and can vote in favor of it at any time. Here are the facts:
o 80% of IMEA’s supply come from 2 coal fired power plants: Prairie State, IL and Trimble County, KY. Prairie State is a major contributor to harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, as well as carbon dioxide in the U.S.
o Neighboring communities have moved to power solutions that are significantly less carbon intensive. In 2024, Winnetka pays 15.2% more for power supply than the wholesale ComEd price.
o Technology associated with power generation is changing at a rapid pace, and is getting cheaper. IMEA is way behind in keeping up with technology for clean energy.
o It is too early to sign a contract extension. The current IMEA contract doesn't expire until 2035. Per the contract, we don't need to decide on renewal until 2030. We cannot get bids from alternative suppliers this early.
o Going with alternative suppliers will not change the reliability of electricity delivery. The Village will still own its distribution and maintenance, and still be delivering the power. IMEA is not responsible for the reliability of our power.
o Two other IMEA members, Naperville and St. Charles do not plan to sign the IMEA contract extension until they've done more homework. Both are looking into ways to move to clean energy.
o The contract extension is worth over $200 million. This financially and environmentally impactful decision will affect every resident and business through 2055.
o IMEA is using a scare tactic with Winnetka that if the contract extension is not signed now, we will be penalized.
Because of the above facts, let's tell the Village Council NOT to sign the contract extension 5 years before they need to by having everyone in your household sign the petition AND email the Council members at ContactCouncil@winnetka.org to tell them NOT to extend the IMEA contract for 20 more years. We want to reach 1,000 signatures.
We are not asking for any money to be donated.
93
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on June 2, 2025