Will County Finance Committee Meeting October 7, 2025

Article Summary: Will County’s Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plant at the county landfill posted a net loss of nearly $460,000 for the fiscal year through August, after a summer plagued by mechanical failures, power outages, and maintenance issues that hampered production. Despite the challenges, officials remain optimistic about closing the financial gap by the end of the fiscal year, pointing to a strong performance in September and the plant’s long-term revenue potential.

RNG Plant Performance Key Points:

• As of August 31, 2025, the RNG plant reported a net loss of $459,484.52 for the fiscal year.

• Production in July and August fell below targets due to valve failures, sensor issues, severe storms, and computer errors.

• Production exceeded targets in June, and a strong rebound in September has officials hopeful of breaking even for the year.

• The plant is in its third year of repaying a 12-year, $48 million green bond used for its construction.

JOLIET, IL – Will County’s gas-to-energy plant has faced a series of operational challenges this summer, resulting in a net loss of $459,484 as of August 31, according to a report presented to the Finance Committee on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Greg Komperda, the RNG Facility Project Manager, detailed a difficult summer for the plant, which converts landfill gas into pipeline-quality natural gas. While production in June exceeded its target, generating over 73,000 Million British Thermal Units (MMBtu), performance dipped significantly in July and August.

In July, the plant produced 68,768 MMBtu against a target of 71,300 MMBtu. August production fell further to 64,446 MMBtu. Komperda attributed the shortfalls to a string of problems, including:

• Valve failures in the nitrogen removal system, likely caused by moisture in the compressed air supply.

• A delivery rejection from the pipeline operator due to faulty sensors at the delivery point.

• Ongoing landfill wellfield maintenance, which temporarily reduced the flow of gas to the plant.

• Sporadic power outages caused by severe storms in late August.

• Computer errors in the nitrogen control system that required the manufacturer to reprogram it.

Despite the setbacks, Komperda reported that production rebounded in September to over 69,000 MMBtu. “We are closing in on the gap,” he said. “If we could maintain production at a good level, we have a chance of closing that gap in on our under revenue.”

Board members questioned the operational reliability and long-term financial viability of the project. In response to questions about frequent power outages, officials stated that installing a backup generator system capable of powering the plant was not financially feasible. Similarly, a significant solar array to offset the plant’s high electricity consumption—more than all other county facilities combined—would require 70-80 acres and cost an estimated $28 to $48 million.

Board member Daniel J. Butler highlighted the project’s long-term investment perspective. He confirmed with officials that the plant was financed with a 12-year, $48 million green bond. With three years of payments made, the facility has nine years of debt service remaining.

“After 12 years, we are going to be having generate extra money and it should lessen the tax burden,” Butler said, framing the current challenges within the context of the plant’s projected 35-plus-year lifespan. “Here we are making an investment into the future for the people of Will County.”