Our electric bill shows up each month from ComEd and we pay it. Since we have been in Sun City, we have enjoyed a consistent supply of power. We have been impressed as to how quickly ComEd gets power restored after storm outages. Of course, we “manage” our electrical usage by turning off lights when not in use and employ other power-saving techniques as we can. Occasionally we receive an advertisement from a different electrical supplier, but we never really gave much thought to changing to a supplier other than ComEd. After all, how reliable could these other suppliers be? What if the power goes out? Could we rely on the other supplier to return power? Would we really save anything by using an alternate supplier?
These questions, and a lot more, are addressed on the Village of Huntley website at www.huntley.il.us/ There is a referendum on the March 20 primary ballot that, if passed, will give the village the authority to select an alternate electrical supplier to ComEd. The village could become a member of a consortium of 11 municipalities that could purchase electrical power from a supplier other than ComEd. ComEd would continue to distribute and service our power, but the supplier of the electrical power may come from an alternate source. According to research reported by the village, other communities have saved up to $100 to $300 annually per consumer, depending on power usage. If the referendum is passed and the village proceeds with an alternate supplier, we could see changes in our monthly bills starting as early as July, 2012.
For those who would prefer to stay with ComEd as the supplier, you can opt-out of the new supplier arrangements unless you have already signed an agreement with an alternate supplier other than ComEd. The village cautions those who have other arrangements to review their contract for early termination charges and how long the contract is in force. If after your current contract expires you want to change, you could then switch to the village-chosen supplier. I applaud the efforts of the village to obtain for us the most cost-effective means for electricity. The village would be providing us with an additional choice for electricity at a volume discounted rate. To voice your support and give the village authority to act on our behalf, vote YES on the March 20 referendum!
Keep those letters coming, folks. Send your ideas to: The Frugal Forum, P.O. Box 693, Huntley, IL 60142 or by email to: thefrugalforum@gmail.com.
