Electric aggregation brings savings to Morris
By Sarwat S. Ahmad Correspondent February 20, 2013 2:28PM
Updated: February 28, 2013 1:56PM
Morris residents and business have saved $1.5 million since starting the electrical aggregation program in 2011.
“I’m pleased to say that the program has gone exceptionally well,” David Hoover of the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative, said at a recent city council meeting.
Morris was one of the first 20 municipalities in the state to take part in the electrical aggregation plan, after residents had approved a referendum in April 2011 allowing the city to go out for bid for lower electrical rates than what ComEd offers, Hoover said.
A total of 3,141 residential homes and 238 small business took part in the program, which took effect November 2011. Since the city chose an opt-out program, those who did not want to participate had do so in writing to ComEd and the collaborative.
The average Morris homeowner is saving about $287 per year since the city accepted NIMEC’s bid of 5.43 cents per kwh, Hoover said.
However, ComEd’s rates are expected to fall by the summer and if they are the lowest on the market the city would go back to ComEd once the contract with NIMEC ends in September, said Mayor Richard Kopczick.
