Purpose of the task force: The group will dig into a draft plan to identify gaps in the plan's data, summarize findings for the public, and evaluate how well the plan holds up against city goals around affordability, reliability, and sustainability. The task force is advisory and final decisions stay with the City Council.

Who can apply: Three of the seven seats are open to any Batavia resident who pays a Batavia Electric Utility bill. The other spots go to a representative from the Batavia Environmental Commission, two city staff members, and one representative from the utility's top 50 ratepayers. Applicants fill out a short form, explain their qualifications, and submit a resume.

Key dates: Applications are open on the city's website and close June 2. The City Council interviews candidates at its June 9 Committee of the Whole meeting and votes on appointments June 15. The task force will meet at least twice a month for four months.

Why this is happening now: Illinois passed a new law in 2025 — the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Transparent Planning Act — requiring municipal utilities like Batavia's to complete an integrated resource plan every five years. The state deadline for Batavia's first plan is January 1, 2028. A public comment period on the first draft ran through the end of 2025; this task force will review the revised second draft once the city’s consultant incorporates those comments.