Refresher: First Public Hearing on Electrical Aggregation Tonight in La Grange Park

The first of two public hearings on whether the village should join with other municipalities to purchase electricity as a group on behalf of residents will be held tonight at , 447 N. Catherine Ave.

Tonight's meeting will be held in the village's conference room at 6 p.m. and will offer a chance for residents to ask questions and get more information about plans to purchase power on their behalf.

In March, 68 percent of voters supported a referendum in favor of electrical aggregation. Trustees have said at past meetings that they hope purchasing electricity as a group will save residents between 20-30 percent off their electrical bills.

Background Information

The issue was in November last year. Trustees listened to a presentation by representatives of the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC) who told trustees that group purchasing could save residents significant money off their bills.

According to NIMEC President Dale Hoover, the group would act as a matchmaker for municipalities and ComEd competitors—companies like Spark Energy and Blue Star—to solicit bids for their service. Residents would continue to receive their bills from ComEd, but would see an annual savings of about $175 a year. Businesses in La Grange Park would see a yearly savings of $6,000 off their electrical bills, . Additionally, Hoover told trustees that NIMEC's fee is paid by the electricity company, not the village, with their payment included in the bided rate.

Since the referendum passed in March, La Grange Park trustees have approved a contract with NIMEC to represent them in bids for electrical service to the village.

Residents Can Opt Out, Choose Green Options

If the village approves a ComEd competitor, residents will automatically be entered into the program when it begins, which would likely be in the fall this year. Residents can opt out by contacting the supplier at anytime, but Hoover told trustees that there are sometimes cancelation fees associated with opting out, depending on the bid. Resident's will also get an opportunity to opt out before the program begins.

Hoover told trustees that the community would also be able to stipulate how much of their electricity should . Hoover added that stipulations like using renewable energy, the length of the contract and other similar factors would all influence rates bids to the village.

What Happens Tonight?

Village officials and NIMEC representatives will be available tonight to answer questions from residents and explain their proposal. If you're not able to make tonight's meeting, you'll get another chance next week as well. A second public hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on May 14.