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Energy customers still need choice

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has called to end electric choice for residential customers, on the grounds that consumers are being tricked into paying more for electricity. We support action to end deceptive marketing practices by some bad actors, but an outright end to residential choice is a mistake - Illinoisans would lose access to the latest energy technologies that help control costs and lose choice about how to spend their energy dollars.

When consumer choice was first introduced in Illinois, it yielded cost savings for those who shopped around, given high default utility rates.

Later, the legislature shifted responsibility for procuring power for utility-rate customers to a state agency, which used competitive bidding to deliver savings to millions of customers. With a leaner utility default rate, some unscrupulous suppliers aggressively marketed deceptive programs.

These flimflam artists should be stopped. But reputable competitive suppliers still play a critical role. Unlike regulated utilities, competitive suppliers are more flexible and able to roll out new options to leverage advanced energy technologies that lower energy bills and reduce carbon footprints - often both at the same time.

Some offer the option of buying up to 100 percent of one's electricity from renewable energy sources - a fair choice as long as terms are clear and transparent. Rooftop solar, smart thermostats, home energy storage and electric vehicles all deliver significant benefits to customers and the environment. For instance, customers could recharge electric vehicles at night when power prices are low. There are many potential options and combinations that provide added value.

The way we make, use and manage energy is changing. We must root out abusers. But for residential and commercial customers to reap all the benefits of today's latest energy options, a competitive market must be preserved. We hope the next attorney general keeps that in mind.

Daniel Bloom, Manager of State Policy, Advanced Energy Economy

Chicago

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