Plainfield vote could lower electric bills

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Updated: December 11, 2011 8:37AM

PLAINFIELD — Voters could choose a source for the electricity they use to power their homes and small businesses.

The Plainfield Village Board on Monday adopted a resolution that allows a binding question to be placed on the March 20 general election ballot. It will ask voters if they are interested in the electricity aggregation program.

In August, membership of the Will County Governmental League declared an interest in aggregating the residential and small commercial retail electric loads of league communities collectively. League members include Plainfield, Romeoville, Shorewood, Joliet and Crest Hill.

The purpose is to secure lower electric rates for residential and small commercial retail customers, said a league spokesman.

If the referendum measure passes, residents can opt out of the aggregation program without penalty.

The earliest a bid for electricity and other services could be awarded is July.

Trustee Jim Racich told voters to expect additional information on the issue before March.