Danville Council Approves Bidding for New Electric Aggregation Contract; Warning about Door-to-Door Solicitors

The Danville City Council has approved an amendment to their deal with brokerage firm Good Energy, who handles the city’s Electric Aggregation Program.  Good Energy spokesperson Jerod McMorris says that due to a rather warm winter, there has been very little exporting of natural gas compared to normal winters.  As a result, there is a surplus of domestic natural gas, making it a good time to work out a new contract.

Thanks to a state law passed in 2012, Illinois municipalities are able to enter into aggregation agreements that allow them to seek electricity for their residents at a better rate than their usual company, which in this case is Ameren.  For example, the current deal with Homefield Energy places the cost per kilowatt hour at five cents, while Ameren’s current cost is 12.5 cents.  The agreement with Homefield expires at the end of this year, and McMorris says this is the time to see if the next deal can be even better.

AUDIO: All eligible residents are part of the program.  This has been a program that’s been in place for over ten years.  Municipal aggregation started in 2012.  The state made a law which allowed cities to do that.  I would say well over 70% of state’s communities are part of this program.

Good Energy’s Jerod McMorris speaks to Danville City Council during Tuesday, March 21st meeting.

Danville residents still have the option to “opt out” of the aggregation program, and receive their power from Ameren, or perhaps another third party supplier.  And that’s a major point.  McMorris says if anyone comes to your door offering an energy alternative, remember that they are NOT part of Danville’s aggregation program.

Danville Alderman Michael Puhr seconded that statement.  He says door-to-door power solicitors may have a license to solicit in Danville, but that does not mean they have a better deal.  And if they visit you, ALWAYS check for a nametag and official city license.

AUDIO: You are not required to let them in; or talk to them in any way, shape, or form.  We have our own people that we use for our energy aggregate program.  You are automatically enrolled in it to save you the best money.  And those that are soliciting door to door are not representative of the city.

McMorris said Homefield will be competing for the next deal against Constellation and Energy Harbor.