Fox River Grove shopping for cheaper energy

Fox River Grove residents will vote in April on whether to give the village the authority to negotiate cheaper prices for electricity on behalf of residential and small commercial customers.

A 2009 state law allows municipalities to seek bids from competing energy companies on behalf of residents. But voters must first give the go-ahead.

Should voters give the village permission to shop for a better energy deal, the village would seek bids from competitors of Exelon, the parent company of Comed. If the village finds a better deal, that company would supply power to residents and small commercial customers, except those that choose to opt out of the program.

The Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Cooperative, an electric purchasing co-op that has helped 140 communities and government entities drive down electricity prices, would help the village secure lower rates. Member communities include Algonquin, Cary and South Elgin.

Fox River Grove Deputy Clerk Barb Majkrzak said if the village does switch suppliers, customers would not notice any changes in service other than the lower rate. Electricity customers would still pay a bill to Comed, which would distribute the electricity, maintain power lines and respond to repairs.

“There would not be any disruption in how the electricity is delivered,” Majkrzak said. “Customers won’t notice anything different, except the cheaper rate.”

Fox River officials will hold an informational session at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10, during the village’s finance committee meeting.

The village also will include information on the referendum question in its next community newsletter.