Clean Air Counts Energy Saving Program for local businesses

West Chicago, Illinois: November 8, 2012 - The City of West Chicago would like to share information about the Clean Air Counts Energy Saving Program with its small business community. The following was provided by Program Manager Craig Schuttenberg:

Earlier this year, there was a change in eligibility requirements for participation in municipal aggregation effort undertaken by many communities to reduce electricity expenses for residents. As a result, small businesses using more than 15,000 kWh/year (just 20% more electricity than the average single family house) cannot benefit from municipal aggregation rates. Unless these businesses take proactive measures, they will remain on ComEd's supply, paying 66% more for electricity than they have to between now and June 2013. The following chart shows ComEd's default rates versus the Clean Air Counts Energy Saving Program (ESP) 12-month low fixed rate:

Oct. 12 – June 13

After June 13

ComEd's Price

8.924¢/kWh

Unknown -- But projected to be significantly lower than today's price

ESP Business Price

5.35¢/kWh

5.35¢/kWh

ComEd cost premium

>66%

Unknown (but less than today)

Note: Prices include electricity supply, transmission and ComEd's Purchase Electricity Adjustment and ESP prices are for a 12-month contract.

One thing to note is that according to local authorities, including the Citizens' Utility Board, ComEd's prices are going to drop significantly in June 2013. From CUB's website, “…the last of several expensive long-term electricity contracts for ComEd are set to expire by June of 2013. ComEd's power prices should drop significantly then.” The next eight months are the time of greatest savings with a third party provider of electricity.

If you own or operate a small business, you can save significantly by signing up for the electricity supply offering through Clean Air Counts, an environmental initiative developed and run by the non-for-profit Metropolitan Mayors Caucus (MMC). Most communities in the Chicago region belong to the MMC and participate in its Clean Air Counts campaign, whose mission is to reduce air pollution in Chicagoland.

Through its Energy Saving Program (ESP), MMC is offering lower-cost electricity supply along with energy-saving Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) to businesses that sign up. Use of CFLs reduces the need for pollution-spewing electricity generation plants in Chicagoland, thus contributing to cleaner air and furthering Clean Air Counts mission. In addition, for every new ESP member, CFLs are distributed to patrons of local food pantries. The Energy Saving Program is the only program that addresses sustainability holistically, through its “three pillars”: economics, the environment, and social justice. To date, ESP has provided $1.5 million in future electricity supply savings for ESP customers and for families in need (through the ESP CFL-Food Pantry Program).

The following is what a few customers say about their experience with the ESP Business program:

”Since we've signed up with the Energy Saving Program we've saved $2,100 on our electricity costs. A testament to the well-meaning people involved is the CFL Food Pantry program that has helped 1,400 Wheaton families in need reduce electricity costs through the energy-saving light bulbs they donate. ”

Melissa Travis

Sr. Director of Programs

Peoples Resource Center

Wheaton

Since we've saved $465 on electricity expenses since we joined the Energy Saving Program earlier this year. Also, we really support the CFL Food Pantry program that helps so many families in need reduce electricity usage through the energy-saving light bulbs they donate.”

Nancy Hernandez,

Forest Court of Niles

After extensive research, Integrys Energy was chosen as the sole electricity supplier for ESP. Integrys provides ESP and its customers the best combination of experience, price, and flexibility in working with ESP's CFL programs.

Signing up is easy.

On-line: 1) go to www.integrysenergy.com/esp

2) click on the Business Customer tab

3) select delivery class from pull-down menu (0-100 kW)

4) select term of contract either:

12-month (@5.35$/kWh);

24-month (@5.50¢/kWh); or

36-months (@5.90¢/kWh)

By phone: Call 1-877-549-8790 and ask for the ESP's business program rates. Integrys' operators will help you through the process.

If you have any questions, please contact Craig Schuttenberg (ESP Program Manager) through email at Craig.schuttenberg@energysavingprogram.net or by phone at 773-491-1564.