Voters support electrical aggregation in Des Plaines, Maine Township

Voters in Des Plaines and Maine Township have given elected officials the OK to explore getting an alternative electricity supplier that could offer cheaper rates than ComEd.

With all precincts reporting, a referendum question on whether to allow electrical aggregation in Des Plaines was approved 7,358 to 6,557, according to unofficial totals.

A similar question in unincorporated Maine Township was approved 1,904 to 1,036.

A number of municipalities have pursued electrical aggregation since 2011 after the state legislature approved rules allowing local governments to do so. The process allows towns to package all of their usage to seek the lowest possible rate as a group.

Though ComEd's rates have shown in recent months to be better than alternative suppliers, Des Plaines officials have said other communities are still realizing savings between 10 percent and 15 percent.

In Des Plaines, 4th Ward Alderman Dick Sayad proposed the city go to referendum and ask voters about electrical aggregation to see if it's possible to get lower rates.

"The intent is to find out what's the best product for the city and the residents," Sayad said in July, when aldermen approved putting the question on the ballot.

The elected boards in Des Plaines and Maine Township now have the option to find an alternative supplier or stay with ComEd. Residents, though, have the final say, since they are allowed to opt out of any program.