ROCHELLE — The University of Illinois Office of the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation will host a community meeting April 9 to discuss the Rochelle Energy Action Plan as the city prepares for changes in power generation under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which requires coal fired power plants to close or cut emissions by 2045. The session will be led by the University of Illinois EnergySense Resilience Center and will focus on ways to control utility costs, improve energy efficiency, and review future power supply options.
Shawn Maurer, technical director of EnergySense, said the event will explain the city’s long term energy strategy and invite residents to help shape it. “At this event, we are going to discuss the energy action plan we are developing for Rochelle so that residents know what that plan is, and we are inviting them to contribute to it,” Maurer said.
He said the program works with communities, utilities, and agencies to lower energy costs and improve efficiency.
“ The goal of this program is through various different programs through RMU, through the city, and through other agencies, to identify ways to minimize cost increases,” Maurer said.
“Part of that’s gonna involve energy efficiency projects to reduce overall demand, so there’s less need to purchase more generating capacity, and that will reduce costs.”
Organizers are working with the City of Rochelle, Black Hawk Hills Regional Council, and Tri-County Opportunities Council to gather public input before a draft plan is released in May, with a final plan expected in June. The April 9 meeting begins at 4 p.m. at the Rochelle Rec Center and is geared toward residents, especially those seeking help with utility bills, and will include information on weatherization programs and other energy saving resources.