Vote Yes for Lower Electric Rates

The Will County Board approved an ordinance in November that can pave the way for lower electricity rates for residential and small business owners in unincorporated Will County.

Will County now has the opportunity to save residents money on their electricity bill by negotiating rates with alternate suppliers.  I raised the question back in July as to whether the county could negotiate lower rates for unincorporated residents. 

Since Will County does not have home rule authority, an ordinance must be approved by voters in the referendum on the March 20, 2012 election ballot.  Savings for the average homeowner could be significant, as much as $200 annually.  Aggregation is the use of a large group to negotiate better rates.  Residents are urged to vote in favor of the referendum question on the March ballot. 

If the referendum passes, the Will County Board will hold a minimum of two public hearings before the ordinance can officially be adopted.  Residents will have many chances to opt-out of the program if they wish to remain with ComEd as their electric supplier. 

Residents participating in the aggregation program will see savings on the supply portion of their electric bill.  The remaining portion of the bill comes from ComEd infrastructure charges which will not change. ComEd will continue to bring the electricity to the resident's home and maintain the electrice lines.  Residents of the Village of Mokena and Frankfort can also vote on their own aggregation proposal on the March ballot. 

The Village of New Lenox has already adopted an alternate electric supplier for the Village and will not vote in this referendum.  Early voting is now available at the New Lenox Village Hall, New Lenox Township Hall, Mokena Village Hall, Frankfort Village Hall and Frankfort Township Hall. 

You are urged to vote yes for lower electric rates!