Mayor Outlines Electricity Price Options

Last month, to permit the City to negotiate for the lowest possible electricity power price on behalf of residents and small businesses.

On March 23, the City Council approved a  to work with MC Squared Energy Services to contract for these cost savings. All electricity will still come via ComEd equipment, but the negotiation ensures the lowest possible price for that electricity.

In a few weeks, you will receive a letter from the City explaining your options and providing directions.

Making Your Decision

If you are currently receiving the ComEd rate and wish to receive the City negotiated rate from MC Squared, you do not have to do anything. You will be automatically switched to MC Squared. There will be no disruption in service. Your bill will still come from ComEd, but you will see a cost savings beginning around June.  If the power goes out, your contact will still be ComEd.

If you have already contracted with an alternate supplier (not ComEd), you are subject to the contract you signed with that supplier. If you wish to switch to MC Squared with the City's negotiated rate, you will need to meet the termination requirements in your current contract and follow the opt-in directions provided by the City.

If you want to continue to receive the electricity rate from ComEd or an alternate supplier (not MC Squared), instructions will also be provided and you will need to opt-out of the City program.

All of these options will be spelled out in the City's letter coming out later this month.

Green Energy

In addition to reduced energy prices, residents will have the opportunity to support the future development of renewable energy sources through the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs). These are credits purchased in amounts proportionate to the environmental impact of power used. The credits provide funding that is then invested in the development of renewable energy sources. The more power you offset, the more you contribute to developing new renewable energy sources.  

In approving our plan, the Council had to decide whether to offer RECs, and if so, whether to mandate that all residents pay for RECs or give residents the individual choice to purchase RECs. The Council voted unanimously to give you the choice to decide whether you wanted to support 100% RECs for an additional $1/month on your bill.  The upcoming City letter will explain how to purchase RECs.

The average household adds close to 5 tons of carbon dioxide annually to the Earth's atmosphere and the RECs will contribute to the future mitigation of that carbon footprint.  For an additional $1 per month, together we can work toward a greener planet.

For further information, click here for the City's recent update on Electrical Aggregation. Click here for the Frequently Asked Questions page from the City's website and click here for my earlier blast about this subject.

Questions? Contact Emily Palm, Assistant to the City Manager at epalm@cityhpil.com or 847-926-1004.

Nancy Rotering
Highland Park Mayor