South Elgin residents to vote on how they get electricity
South Elgin is joining a growing list of municipalities asking residents whether they want to have the electricity supply to their homes and small businesses arranged for them.
Village board members decided to pose a question about municipal electric aggregation in a binding referendum on the March 20 ballot. If the majority of residents vote yes, South Elgin staff members will research and negotiate electric rates for the community.
Village Administrator Larry Jones said residents in other municipalities in the state that have done this have seen savings of up to 25 percent.
“Whether that percentage of savings will hold true as more and more users move in that direction, no one really knows,” Jones said. “I think the board felt they’d be remiss if they didn’t at least offer the opportunity.”
If the program is implemented after the election but individual residents do not want to participate, they will have to opt out. Those who stick with the program will still get their electricity on ComEd infrastructure, but their bills will show a new company name if the village can negotiate a contract with a cheaper provider, Jones said.
In the coming months, Jones said, a committee likely will be formed to organize information sessions and make sure residents understand the ballot question as well as the proposed program. A consultant will be hired by the end of the year to facilitate the process.
Board members did not discuss the proposal extensively during the two meetings at which it was brought up, instead deferring to the community.
“I think it’s a good deal,” Village President Jim Hansen said. “We can leave it up to the residents to make the final decision.”