Board authorizes administration to lock energy supply contracts up to 48 months beginning June 2026

The Downers Grove District 99 Board of Education voted to authorize the administration, with assistance from an outside consultant, to enter supply agreements for electricity and natural gas effective June 2026 for terms not to exceed 48 months. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote. "On the electricity side alone, it's about a two‑tenths of a cent drop…which, when you look at how many therms we use, it's about $24,000," said Travis, the district presenter, adding natural gas savings of about $5,500 for a combined near‑term savings of roughly $30,000 compared with the figures presented at the prior meeting.

Nut graf: Staff said energy suppliers’ short‑term quotes can change quickly and recommended that the board authorize the administration to identify the optimal moment to lock rates and sign multi‑year agreements. The board approved the request to allow staff to execute the contracts when they and the consultant determine the market is favorable.

Travis told the board the administration is asking for authority to sign supply contracts for up to four years, noting the district would consider the electricity and natural gas markets separately and choose contract lengths that best fit the market. "We're just asking for approval later in this meeting, to be able to sign that agreement when we think that the market is the best," he said. Assistant Superintendent Scott (staff member) clarified that the administration would report outcomes to the board after contracts are executed.

Ending: The board approved the motion on a roll‑call vote; staff will notify the board of the contracts executed and the expected budget impact following the consultant’s recommendation.