Political Solutions

Clean power: The role of municipal electric utilities

In Illinois, 42 communities own electric utilities–many of which have become key customers for new coal plants in the Midwest. That contributes to the already growing problem of global warming and pollution from burning coal.

The Environmental Law & Policy Center is working to build a grassroots network inside and between communities to oppose investments in power from coal and to encourage significant investment in both renewable energy and energy efficiency. Want to help? Drop us a note using this Feedback link.

Several new coal plants, including Prairie State Generating Facility, a new 1500 MW coal-fired power plant in Southern Illinois, are expected to be financed by municipal electric utilities. Burning coal for power emits carbon dioxide, the leading cause of global warming. Coal power also emits pollutants including sulfur dioxide (causing acid rain), nitrogen oxides (causing smog), particulates (that worsen asthma and respiratory problems), and mercury (causing developmental problems and brain damage).

By investing instead in clean wind power and other renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements, municipal electric utilities can be part of the solution to our global warming, environmental and public health problems. Just as important to local officials, these investments can save money for utilities and customers over the long term.

Municipal electric utilities are serving many growing suburban communities with increasing electricity demand and will continue to be significant early customers for proposed new coal plants unless local opposition develops and clean energy alternatives are effectively presented. This growing demand presents both the threat that municipal electric utilities will enable new coal plants to be built and the opportunity to promote positive clean energy alternatives.

Learn more: Municipal electric utility FAQ