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City of Monticello issued the following announcement on Apr. 23. 

What is Municipal Aggregation?

Illinois law allows municipalities and counties to negotiate the purchase price of electricity on behalf of residential and small business utility customers living within their borders.  While these governmental entities choosing community aggregation would be responsible for negotiating the price of power from a supplier other than the traditional utility (Ameren), Ameren would still be responsible for delivering that power to your home, and billing you for it.  

How did Monticello get involved in the Aggregation program?

The Monticello community passed a referendum allowing for the City of Monticello to participate in Municipal Aggregation in 2013. Contracts have since been approved/renewed in 2015 and 2018, which expires June 1st, 2021.

How could I benefit from participating in the Municipal Aggregation program?

Electrical rates fluctuate depending on market conditions, similar to gasoline prices.  The idea behind the municipal aggregation program is communities all across Illinois can group together and negotiate for a set price per kilowatt hour (kWh) for a fixed amount of time.  Under the aggregation program, your electricity bill will still go up and down as you use more or less electricity, but the price per kilowatt hour is set for the length of the contract term.  

I get a lot of offers for 3rd party electricity suppliers.  How do I know the “opt-out” letter is legit?

For clarification, the letter itself is generated by Homefield Energy, and while it says the City of Monticello is the sender, it does not come from the City. That being said, Homefield Energy is the official company awarded with the bid for municipal aggregation energy supply in the group Monticello is a part of for the upcoming term.  There are a lot of third-party electric suppliers offering similar programs since the deregulation of electricity in Illinois, and residents receive a number of offers from various companies with a variety of benefits, terms and pricing.  It is advised that you look thoroughly at each offer and select the offer that is best for you.

What is the new contract information?

The new contract is for 30 months from June 2021 to December, 2023.  The fixed rate is $0.05048/kWh, which includes a $0.001/kWh civic fee and traditional energy, as opposed to green energy. The Ameren price to compare is not yet known- Ameren will release their price to compare (PTC) in late May, but it is anticipated to be over $0.05, making the aggregation price an anticipated lower option.

Please note, the opt-out letter Homefield sent out shows an incorrect conclusion date of December 2024 instead of 2023- Homefield will be sending out a clarification letter to all account holders that remain with the program after the opt-out period expires.

Do I have to participate in this program?

No, you can opt out. You may already be participating in the aggregation program, or you may change your mind and opt out at a later date. Either way, you will not be charged a penalty for doing so. If you don’t send the opt-out form prior to the deadline, you will be deemed to have authorized and greed to being enrolled in Monticello’s Aggregation program. However, you have the option to terminate your participation in the program at any time without incurring an early termination penalty. Enrollment is automatic, unless you ‘opt out.’

Am I already enrolled in the program?

If you look at your Ameren bill, there will be a line item at the bottom of the page where the electricity serving your property is purchased from.  The upcoming contract through the Aggregation program is again Homefield Energy.

Will I still get bills from Ameren?

Yes, Ameren is still responsible for the delivery of your electricity, maintenance of the lines and infrastructure, and billing you monthly.  You will see a line item at the bottom of the page where the electricity serving your property is being purchased from.

How does this impact budget billing?

Utility will continue to manage your budget billing and determine your monthly payment for electricity.

For additional questions on the aggregation program, please contact Homefield Energy at 866.694.1262m or visit the Homefield Aggregation page specific to Monticello.  

Original source can be found here.

Source: City of Monticello