Carpentersville seeks to lower electric bills

Carpentersville residents saw higher water bills this year and also will see a slight increase ion the village’s portion of the property tax bill in 2012.

But officials are seeking to lower everyone’s electric bills by negotiating for lower rates, should voters give them the power to do so in a spring referendum.

The village board unanimously approved the referendum question on Tuesday night and it will appear on the March 20 ballot.

If the voters endorse the measure, there would be a process by which Carpentersville would either by itself or with other towns put together bid specifications and solicit bids from energy providers licensed with the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Different companies would supply the electricity, but ComEd still would be responsible for billing and repairs.

Individuals and businesses that don’t want to be part of the program can always opt out.

Officials estimate it would result in $2.5 million in annual electricity savings in Carpentersville, which works out to $175 per household, Assistant Village Manager Steven Jones said.

Carpentersville isn’t the only municipality looking to save money on electric bills.

Others include West Dundee, East Dundee, Cary, Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, Huntley, Pingree Grove and unincorporated McHenry County also are planning similar referendums for the same ballot.

“Everyone is jumping on the bandwagon,” Jones said.