Powering up to pay less
Updated: November 7, 2012
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY -- Many people around the state will now pay less for electricity in the next few months. That's because an issue was passed in dozens of races Tuesday.
The Electric Aggregation Plan basically saves money by buying electricity in bulk. Cities and other municipalities in 14 counties put the issue on their ballots.
A "yes" vote gave community leaders the power to pick a company to provide electricity for everyone living there at the best price. Most voted in favor of the plan.
But some races were very close. Representatives with the state's Commerce Commission says some people don't like the idea of letting government play such a big role in the power prices.
It will still take time before you see lower electric bills. First, the municipalities need to find different power companies to place bids. After that, they'll send out notices for those who may want to opt out of the plan.
Some county leaders say they expect to see lower prices by early next year. After it goes into effect, you will still receive bills from your current provider which will continue to perform your service calls. The electricity itself will come from a different source.
One group voting against Electrical Aggregation was the unincorporated area in Sangamon County. The "nays" outweighed the "yeas" by seven votes. Election supervisors say they still have absentee ballots to count, meaning the decision could be overturned. They expect a final count in the next few weeks.
The Electric Aggregation Plan basically saves money by buying electricity in bulk. Cities and other municipalities in 14 counties put the issue on their ballots.
A "yes" vote gave community leaders the power to pick a company to provide electricity for everyone living there at the best price. Most voted in favor of the plan.
But some races were very close. Representatives with the state's Commerce Commission says some people don't like the idea of letting government play such a big role in the power prices.
It will still take time before you see lower electric bills. First, the municipalities need to find different power companies to place bids. After that, they'll send out notices for those who may want to opt out of the plan.
Some county leaders say they expect to see lower prices by early next year. After it goes into effect, you will still receive bills from your current provider which will continue to perform your service calls. The electricity itself will come from a different source.
One group voting against Electrical Aggregation was the unincorporated area in Sangamon County. The "nays" outweighed the "yeas" by seven votes. Election supervisors say they still have absentee ballots to count, meaning the decision could be overturned. They expect a final count in the next few weeks.
