Local elected executives work on electric deal

Staff Report

The Illinois Legislature recently approved legislation providing local governments the opportunity to aggregate the electric power purchasing of its residents. (20 ILCS 3855/1-92) Essentially, aggregation allows communities to combine residents into a buying group, resulting in increased buying power and more competitive prices for its residents.

Anyone can opt out for any reason. To participate in the purchasing of the electricity, a referendum needs to be placed on the March 2012 ballot asking voters if they want to participate in this program. To place a referendum on the ballot, a resolution must be passed by each unit of government.

Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen met with mayors Larry Morrissey, Darryl Lindberg, Michael Duffy and Tom Strickland, along with Village presidents Dale Adams, Frank Eubank, Gary Haughton, Jim Claeyssen, Dave Krienke and Shawn Connors, to discuss offering residents the opportunity to vote on the option of selecting an alternative electric supply company. All of the mayors and village presidents were in agreement that this is something to pursue for the people of Winnebago County.

Citizens will be allowed to vote on the question, which will be placed on the March 20, 2012, Primary Ballot without the need for party declaration. This has the potential for significant savings for everyone and could occur as early as May 2012. All constituents are cautioned not to get locked into a long-term contract prior to going through this process as there may be penalties.

Contact Sally Claassen Purchasing & Risk Management and Facilities manager at (815) 319-4380.

From the Nov. 16-22, 2011, issue