Our Vision and Mission
Education and community involvement are central to creating sustainable and just solutions.
We are committed to sustainability, as defined by the United Nations as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” As we advocate for sustainable energy solutions, we also recognize the current needs of Naperville families and businesses.
Our planet faces significant environmental challenges, and the cost of inaction is already severe—resulting in loss of life and billions of dollars in damages annually. While this is a global crisis, our work focuses on local action as part of a broader movement for change.
We believe these challenges are solvable. The necessary technology exists, and with courage and commitment, we can overcome entrenched interests and shift to a sustainable, equitable energy future.
Our Approach
- Engage the Community
Advocate for public hearings and events to ensure the community’s priorities are reflected in the electricity contract. - Establish a Clear Timeline
Work with city leaders to define a transparent timeline for deciding on the next electricity contract. - Develop Competitive Standards
Collaborate with stakeholders to create a robust Request for Proposal (RFP) process, including a vendor scorecard based on community goals. - Explore Diverse Solutions
Research multiple options to identify the best path forward for sustainability, affordability, and reliability.
Community Priorities
Our advocacy is guided by the values and priorities of our community, including:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Promoting affordable solutions, such as energy efficiency incentives, local storage, and virtual power plants.
- Community Benefits: Advocating for contracts that create jobs, invest in the local economy, and support businesses.
- Environmental Impact: Prioritizing renewable energy sources and phasing out fossil fuels to reduce our carbon footprint.
- Local Control: Ensuring local decision-making and oversight in energy sourcing and distribution.
Transparency: Demanding clear communication about energy options, pricing, and contract terms.
Our Guiding Principles
- Educate
Focus on providing accurate information and fostering productive dialogue. - Address Concerns with Facts
Tackle issues like reliability, subsidies, and affordability with data-driven solutions. - Collaborate for Change
Build coalitions and empower volunteers to amplify our impact. We are a nonpartisan organization that welcomes people from all political parties.