Energy Policy, Sustainability, and Electric Utility Planning
Naperville
Summary
Local builders and home building associations raised concerns that adopting new energy stretch codes alongside the 2024 ICC building code update would significantly increase construction costs without delivering proportional energy savings.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 17
- Last 30 days
- 9
Rising — discussed at 4 meetings since Sep 15, 2026, up from 2 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
Could increase home construction and remodeling costs by thousands of dollars per project.
Homebuilders and housing advocates seeking to maintain housing affordability in the local market.
Proponents of accelerated energy efficiency and environmental building standards.
Mentions & discussions (11)
City Council — October 20, 2026
Public speakers debated the inclusion of sustainability in the city's energy vision statement, with some residents supporting carbon reduction and efficiency measures while others expressed concern over potential rate increases and reliance on non-competitive power sources.
City Council — September 28, 2026
Naperville is planning ahead for 2035 when its current power contract ends, weighing costs, reliability, and environmental impact. The city is focusing on joining a joint action agency or buying power through flexible contracts.
City Council — September 21, 2026
Council discussed the city's tier-one undergrounding initiative and questioned why battery storage systems weren't prioritized in the capital budget, given potential reliability and cost benefits.
City Council — September 15, 2026
Residents raised concerns during public comment about a battery feasibility study that briefly explored natural gas electricity generation in Naperville. City officials clarified that a gas plant is not a good fit for the city, no discussions occurred with IMEA, and it will be removed from consideration.
City Council — August 18, 2026
Staff presented the final energy procurement option regarding the potential sale of the electric utility to ComEd, alongside discussions on renewable energy mix and battery storage. Residents and council members emphasized the value of local control, reliability, and exploring cost-saving microgrid or battery options.
City Council — July 21, 2026
The city continued its review of future energy options, examining market participation without asset ownership as the 2035 expiration of the IMEA contract approaches.
City Council — June 16, 2026
The city reviewed future energy options, highlighting that battery storage costs have dropped significantly, offering potential immediate returns on investment and peak-shaving benefits.
City Council — May 5, 2026
The city is reviewing its long-term energy strategy, evaluating whether to stay with IMEA, create its own Joint Action Agency, or join an existing one, amidst heavy public debate over emissions, costs, and battery storage.
Naperville weighs alternatives to IMEA as energy deadlines loom
Naperville weighs alternatives to IMEA as energy deadlines loom Chicago Tribune
Illinois cities move to cut ties with a massive coal plant
Illinois cities move to cut ties with a massive coal plant Canary Media
City Council — February 3, 2026
Local builders and home building associations raised concerns that adopting new energy stretch codes alongside the 2024 ICC building code update would significantly increase construction costs without delivering proportional energy savings.
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