On February 20, 2023, the City Council adopted the 2023-24 City of Independence Action Plan.  The action plan outlines six purpose statements. Two of these purpose statements relate to IPL: “A Well Planned City” and “A Financially Sustainable Organization”. Within these goal areas, Section 4.1.j. is as follows: “Determine Long-Term Plan for IPL, Including Additional Generation Resources, Long-Term Plan for Maintaining Capacity, and Facilitating the Retirement of Existing Combustion Turbines”. Section 5.1.f. is as follows: “Research and Evaluate the Governance and Operation of Independence Power & Light (IPL).”   

On April 5th, 2023, the Independence City Council initiated a process to consider all options relative to the future ownership model of Independence Power & Light. City staff has issued two Request for Qualifications to retain professional services to complete these evaluations.

On April 5th, 2023, the Independence City Council initiated a process to consider all options relative to the future ownership model of Independence Power & Light. City staff has issued two Request for Qualifications to retain professional services to complete these evaluations.

While this evaluation is unfolding, the City Council wishes to explore options to protect the pension plans of IBEW Local 53 members working at Independence Power & Light in the event of a sale, transfer, merger, consolidation, acquisition, spin-off, lease, or any other transaction by which the operation, for which employees subject to this Agreement perform services, is transferred to an entity other than the City.

This resolution would direct the City Manager to meet with representatives of LAGERS and IBEW Local 53 to explore the legality of continuing to fund LAGERS pension plans for Union members enrolled in the plan at the time of such sale, transfer, or other transaction in accordance with the provisions currently enumerated in the work agreement between the City and IBEW Local 53 and to report these findings to the City Council.