If Glenview residents approve a November referendum measure on municipal electrical aggregation, the village will not follow other communities in requiring that 100 percent of electricity used is offset by the purchase of renewable energy credits.
Village trustees appeared to reach that consensus at a board meeting and last scheduled public hearing prior to the Nov. 6 election.
"Under no condition would I opt for 100 percent renewable mandatory for all residents," said Trustee Philip White. "I would give them the option. That's their choice, but I would not mandate it."
If the measure passes, village officials have tentatively planned to join a contract established by the villages of Wilmette and Kenilworth, where voters approved electrical aggregation in March. The communities formed a consortium, called the Lakeshore Power Alliance, and selected MC Squared Energy Services to supply electricity.
Wilmette residents and small business owners who use 15,000 kilowatt hours or less of electricity a year pay 4.035 cents per kilowatt hour. Kenilworth residents pay 4.110 c/kWh due to the village's decision to purchase renewable energy credits equal to the amount of electricity used by those enrolled in the aggregation program.
Several other communities — including Evanston, Oak Park, Lake Forest and Arlington Heights — opted for the 100 percent renewable energy credits mandate. But despite the slight price differential, Glenview trustees maintained a desire to leave the decision to individuals.
"Looking at the communities that addressed the issue, I felt that the communities with somewhat more economic diversity seemed to be more aware of imposing this type of requirement on their taxpayers and their residents," said Trustee Scott Britton.
"I feel like it's something that I would personally consider if this were to pass and I had to make the choice," Britton said. "I think it is extremely important that renewable resources of energy are developed, but I have a hard time imagining that I should impose that personal decision on people who may not be able to afford it — even if it is a relatively small amount of money."
Throughout the series of public meetings on the ballot measure, village officials have stressed that they are not advocating for or against it. They've also been quick to point out that while the electricity supplier could change if voters pass the issue, ComEd would still be responsible for delivering electricity, issuing bills, handling power outages and maintaining power lines and meters.
The rate given by MC Squared would be good through May, at which time the consortium would receive a new rate. If ComEd's supply rate drops, Glenview officials said the contract they would enter stipulates that MC Squared would have to at least match that rate or the village would be allowed to exit the deal and return to ComEd.
Residents and eligible small businesses would automatically enroll in the program, but officials said they could opt out at any time with no fee. Those who have signed a contract with an alternative electric supplier would not be automatically enrolled, officials said, but they could join any time after the contract is finalized.
