Municipal Aggregation Program
Once again, the Village of Mt. Zion was able to negotiate a competitive electricity supply rate for our residents! Through an RFP process, Constellation Energy quoted a rate of $0.10899/kWh, an increase from $0.07859/kWh. This is a 12-month agreement that will begin in June of 2025. It is anticipated Ameren's rate will be over $0.11/kWh.
The electrical aggregation program is an opt out program, so residents and small businesses will automatically be enrolled unless they choose to opt out or sign an individual agreement with another company. Customers who opt out cannot re-enroll for a minimum of 12 months.
Notification Process: In April of 2025, Constellation will be sending out letters to all Ameren accounts in our group to inform them of the new rate and term. This will start the initial 60-day opt out period for those who do not wish to participate. If a resident chooses to opt out and return to Ameren supply, they will remain there for 12 months. A second letter going out will be from Ameren letting account holders know who their supplier is once the initial opt out period is over. Instructions to opt out will be provided with a letter from Constellation Energy. There is no fee to opt out of the program. If a resident decides to opt out and use another company for their electrical supply (such as Ameren or another supplier) make sure to read the fine print, looking for hidden or fixed fees that could potentially cost you more than the rate presented to you.
To verify enrollment or opt out of the electrical aggregation program please contact Constellation Energy at 1-833-358-0518. You can also visit www.constellation.com/il-CIMA and use the 6-digit opt out code provided on the letter. See an example of the 2022 opt out letter below.
Why did the rate increase so much? There are several factors for increased prices in today's market, most notably:
- Market correction
- Coal and natural gas production is being cut
- Coal and natural gas electric generation plants are being closed
- New electric needs (i.e. electric vehicles) will increase the demand for electricity
- New data centers are being built and using large amounts of electricity
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll?
The Municipal Aggregation Program is an "opt out" program, meaning you will be automatically enrolled.
How much money will I save by participating?
Based on the average user (1,000 kWh/month), the total annual savings would be $351.16 over the Ameren default rate.
Why does the municipality negotiate prices on our behalf?
In 2012, the Village of Mt. Zion put a question on the ballot that stated: "Shall the Municipality have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such program?". The referendum passed, allowing the Municipal leaders to request prices for electricity supply.
Can I still use budget billing?
Yes. You will still recieve a bill from Ameren like in the past and able to make payments based on any arrangement you had before.
Has the Municipal Aggregation worked?
Yes! Over the last 10 years, the municipal aggregation has saved our residents 12.7%.
Can I go back to Ameren?
Yes, you can reject the municipal aggregation program through the letters sent to you by the new provider (60 days before the contract begins). If you decide to opt out of the program, you cannot come back in for 12 months. There is no penalty to reject participation in the program.
I had someone approach me at my home (door-to-door sales agent), can I use them instead?
If an outside market offers you a plan individually, you can take their plan. Under Illinois law, they cannot lock you into a term. All contracts are month-to-month from your typical door-to-door sales agent. We caution you to make sure the rate they present is the full rate. We have seen situations where there are hidden, fixed fees that make the overall price much higher than the aggregations rate. If you choose to go with a different provider, you cannot return to the aggregation for 12 months.