Politics & Government

Crystal Lake Seals Deal to Reduce Electricity Rates by 45 Percent

New contract is the result of the city's electrical aggregation program approved by Crystal Lake voters in the March election.

Crystal Lake leaders accepted a bid from FirstEnergy Solutions to provide the electricity supply for the city’s electric aggregation program.

The FirstEnergy Solutions price represents a 45-percent savings for residential customers over ComEd’s current rates, according to a press release issued by the city.

Under the new plan, the average Crystal Lake home – with an annual usage of 9,000 kilowatt hours – is estimated to save $338 annually, the release stated.  

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The rate, anticipated to take effect in late summer, is guaranteed for two years.

Specifically, city leaders secured a price of 4.69 cents per kilowatt hour compared to ComEd’s May 2012 residential supply rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

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The current ComEd basic electric service rate runs from May 31, 2012 through Oct. 1, 2012 and includes the purchased electricity supply charge, transmission services charge and the May 2012 purchased electricity adjustment charge, the release stated.

Highlights of the  FirstEnergy Solutions contract include: 

1. No early termination fee. Anytime during the two-year term of the agreement, individual residents can opt-out of this agreement without an early termination fee.

2. ComEd rate match. If the ComEd rates drop below FirstEnergy Solutions’ price any time during the period of the agreement, FirstEnergy Solutions will either match ComEd’s rate or move everyone back to ComEd.

3. FirstEnergy Solutions offers an individual residential option for renewable energy. Individual residents interested in securing a renewable energy option can contact FirstEnergy Solutions directly and, for an extra fee, opt for the renewable energy option.

4. FirstEnergy Solutions maintains a United States-based call center.

Crystal Lake’s aggregation program is an opt-out program, and was approved by voters in the March 20, 2012 referendum.

How CL Residents Participate in Program

Under the program, eligible customers automatically become part of the city’s plan. No action is required unless homeowners chose to opt-out of the program.

Residents who have individual contracts with another supplier would be required to opt-in to the city’s program if they desire, the release states.

Some supplier contracts have early termination fees so residents must check with their supplier before opting in to the Crystal Lake electrical aggregation program.

Individuals already served by FirstEnergy Solutions will receive information from FirstEnergy Solutions on their ability to switch to the aggregation program’s favorable electric rate, the release said.

City officials warn residents could receive solicitations in the form of telemarketing calls or mail from other retail electric suppliers seeking to switch their electricity supply. These solicitations are not associated with the city’s aggregation program.

Unless homeowners choose to opt out, are participating on real-time hourly pricing, or have contracted with another energy supplier, they will be enrolled in the city’s program.

“If you receive a solicitation, you should not provide your ComEd account number,” the city press release warns. “If you provide your ComEd account number, you may be unintentionally switched to another supplier and be removed from the city’s electric aggregation program.”

More information regarding the Crystal Lake Electrical Aggregation Program can be found on the city’s website.


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