Ela, Palatine township voters approve electrical aggregation

The hope of cheaper electricity sparked support in two northwest communities Tuesday.

Unofficial election results showed unincorporated Ela Township and Palatine Township voters approved referendum questions about an electrical aggregation program.

Electrical aggregation allows governments to seek competitive bids from power companies, although ComEd continues to bill customers and handle power outages.

With all 18 precincts counted, 288 Ela Township voters said “yes,” compared to 147 “no” votes.

Palatine Township voters gave aggregation a wider margin of victory with 239 “yes” votes and 51 “no” votes, with all 18 precincts reporting.