Marion County Wants Electric Aggregation Vote for Unincorporated Areas

Municipal aggregation is being suggested by the Marion County Community Relations Committee to go to a county vote. This proposal was sent to the Marion County full county board, who needs to endorse the proposal. A decision by the board might be reached as early as their next meeting, which takes place next Tuesday. A decision now allows ample time to add a referendum to the ballot on April 9th.

The leading firm for the job of advising Marion County is Good Energy, a leading consulting firm in the field of municipal aggregation. Dale Kelley, an Energy Consultant for Good Energy, tells why they are the best option for lowering rates on electricity. He says, “No one is matching what this aggregation is putting together, and they're like to do as good or better in the future.  It's well organized, we've got qualified people.  It's always there, it's transparent; they've got an office in Edwardsville already.  They will have a call center that you can deal with.”

For those who worry about the costs associated with contracting a third party to run the operations of the aggregation, there is good news. Kelley affirms that the county will have no costs payable to Good Energy if the measure is approved. All expenses for their services, including expenses for educating the public about the vote, will be paid by the winning provider. Should the residents vote the referendum down, Good Energy pays the expenses.

There is an opt out clause available to any residents who would prefer to use Ameren for their electric needs, otherwise electric aggregation automatically includes all qualified residents. In addition, if Ameren’s standard rates fall below the rate negotiated in the contract, the contract becomes void and customers return to the lower Ameren rates.

For more information on municipal aggregation, click here. For the full article, see below.

Source: WJBD Local News