RMU, University of Illinois to Host Energy Plan Open House

ROCHELLE — Rochelle Municipal Utilities and the University of Illinois System’s EnergySense Resilience Center will host an open house Aug. 11 to discuss a draft Energy Action Plan and gather public feedback. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Rochelle City Hall and will include refreshments and a chance for attendees to win a Nest smart thermostat. The plan is designed to help RMU maintain stable energy prices while preparing for changes required under the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which calls for fossil fuel electric generation to reach zero emissions or close by 2045. RMU currently receives about 40% of its power demand from the coal fired Prairie State Energy Campus, creating future challenges as the state moves away from fossil fuels. “The Energy Action Plan describes strategies to help RMU achieve its vision to provide affordable, resilient energy to its customers,” said Shawn Maurer, technical director for EnergySense. The project is funded through an Illinois EPA Energy Office grant obtained by the Lee Ogle Enterprise Zone through Blackhawk Hills Regional Council.