PRESS RELEASE
Several area cities and counties have been working together to bid electric supply for our residents. The cities of Charleston, Effingham, Mattoon, and Paris along with Coles County are nearing the end of a contract with a rate of 4.19 cents per kilowatt hour. This rate will be expiring with the meter readings in December 2022.
Recently the buying group, along with our consultant Good Energy, worked to solicit new electric supply bids for our residents. We were unable to secure an offer with a satisfactory combination of price and duration due to the current volatility in the market. The group has decided to pause the aggregation program and to revert back to Ameren as the electrical supplier for our communities. The group intends to consider competitive offers again for our electrical supply in the fall of 2023.
Ameren’s current electric supply rate is 12.24 cents per kilowatt hour. Electricity bills in January will reflect the change of supply rates from 4.19 cents to 12.24 cents per kilowatt hour.
Residents and businesses in our electrical aggregation programs will be automatically switched to Ameren following the conclusion of our contract with Energy Harbor in December 2022.
Is important to note that no action is needed from our residents! No forms are required, and no one will contact residents to make the change. There are companies that may contact citizens offering electric contracts but they are not associated with the buying group. Please use caution before entering contracts as sometimes the offers appear favorable but are actually more costly than Ameren rates.
Municipal Electric Aggregation was approved by voters in November 2012 as a way to buy electricity for our residents and small businesses at wholesale prices. Until now, each contract has been able to produce savings for program participants. After almost 10 years, it is estimated that municipal electric aggregation has saved the residents of our communities over $800.00 per household.
Anyone who may need help with their monthly energy bills can find a list of township offices and not-for-profit organizations offering assistance programs on Ameren’s website. Qualifying households can take part in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is the federally-funded program that provides monetary relief for energy bills. More information can be obtained by calling 1-877-411-9276 or visiting www.ameren.com/illinois/residentail/energy-assistance/liheap. Ameren also has energy saving tips and billing options available online.