Residential Electric Rate in Rural Area Drops

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Published on June 12 2019 4:35 pm
Last Updated on June 12 2019 5:22 pm

Ameren Illinois has announced a residential electric rate of 4.6 cents per kilowatthour for the 12-month period beginning with June meter readings. The rate is 1.7 cents less than Effingham County's current electric aggregation rate of 6.285 cents.

Under the contract the County negotiated in early 2017 with Homefield Energy of Collinsville, the County's electric supplier, rural Effingham County residents who participate in the program have the right to opt out at any time and at no cost. To opt out, participants can phone Homefield at 866-694-1262, a toll-free number. They will need only their account number, found at the top of their electric bill, to opt out.

The electric supply accounts of participants who opt out will be returned automatically to Ameren or to an alternative retail electric supplier the participant designates. Electric aggregation regulations require consumers who opt out to remain a total of 12 months with Ameren for electric supply if they do no return to the County's program or another supplier within the first two months of opting out.

Nearly all 300 downstate Illinois communities that have electric aggregation programs have seen their rates rise above Ameren's. The utility's rate has fallen in each of the past two years due largely to the decreasing cost in energy commodities and reduced invested capital costs.

Residents who have additional questions may call Homefield's customer care center toll-free at 866-694-1262.

SIMEC, LLC, headquartered in Quincy, is the broker for the County's electric aggregation program.