On December 11, 2012, the Niles Board of Trustees approved a resolution to authorize a referendum regarding municipal electrical aggregation. Residents will be asked if the Village of Niles should have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such program. The purpose of this program is to combine (aggregate) electricity service for the residents and small businesses in Niles in an attempt to save money on utility bills.
What is municipal electrical aggregation?
The aggregation of electricity is when the electric supply of residential and (eligible) small businesses is combined to jointly purchase electricity. The village may solicit bids for the supply of electricity in an effort to obtain a lower rate. This is made possible by the Illinois Power Agency Act, which was amended in 2009.
What is the referendum on the ballot on April 9, 2013, regarding electrical aggregation?Voters in Niles will be asked if the Village of Niles should have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such program.
Should the referendum pass, the village may solicit bids on behalf of residents and small businesses for the supply of electricity. As part of the bid process, an option for green energy will be included. The bid rates would then be compared to ComEd’s rates at the time to determine if there will be a savings. If savings can be realized, then the village may enter into an agreement with a company for the villagewide supply of electricity. If the referendum does not pass, the program will not move forward.
How will it impact me?
If a program is implemented, all residential and qualifying commercial customers will be automatically switched over to the new electricity supplier unless they have previously selected to opt-out of the program. Customers will be given the option to opt-out by mail.
Will there be a public information process?Yes. A Public Informational Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 18, 2013, at 6 p.m. at the Niles Village Hall. In addition, there are additional approvals and public meetings that are required if the program moves forward.
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
All residential customers are eligible to participate in the program unless you have already switched to another alternative electrical supplier or you are receiving ComEd’s Residential Space Heat Rate. Small commercial customers are also eligible if they use less than 15,000 kWh per year.
What if I have already switched to another electrical supply provider?Alternative electricity suppliers have already been soliciting residents in the village to switch on an individual basis. You should contact that supplier to determine your options.
Will there be a “green” option available for customers to select?
Yes, as part of the bid process, the village will solicit bids that include a “green” energy option.
Can residents and businesses choose not to participate?Yes, residents and small businesses may opt-out of the program if the referendum passes and the village is able to secure a rate more favorable than the current ComEd rate. Before the program begins, all residents and small businesses would receive a notice in the mail from the Village of Niles allowing the customer to opt-out of the program by a certain date.
Will there be any change in the electrical service provided to my home or small business?
No, there will be no change or disruption in service. ComEd will continue to deliver the electricity to residential and small business customers. Residents and small businesses will continue to receive a bill from ComEd and may continue to utilize the existing ComEd payment options available.
What if my power goes out, who should I call?ComEd is still responsible for the distribution and flow of electricity to all homes and businesses in Niles. Outages should be reported to 1-800-EDISON-1, via the ComEd mobile app, or via text message by texting “OUT” to 26633.
For more information, please contact the Village of Niles at 847-588-8009.