Village of Franklin Park
Green Electric Aggregation
Following the passage of a March 2012 voter referendum, the Village of Franklin Park contracted to procure electric supply in bulk for residents and small business owners. Franklin Park ratepayers enjoyed savings on their ComEd bills as a result of the program which expired in June 2014 when bid pricing was unfavorable vs. the ComEd rate.
The Village is now resuming the program with Chicago-based Eligo Energy IL, LLC wherein ratepayers will be charged exactly the ComEd rate but will enjoy the added benefit of green energy via Midwest-generated Renewable Energy Certificates (“RECs”) at zero added cost to ratepayers and the Village. The program term is for 24 months to January 2022.
To learn about how green energy and RECs work, view this video clip prepared by the US EPA.
Background: The cost of serving each electric account varies greatly, based on usage patterns. Some ratepayer accounts will be switched to ComEd because the cost of generation exceeds the ComEd rate. Others will be switched to the new supplier, Eligo. All will pay exactly the same ComEd rate, including ComEd’s monthly variable PEA component. Eligo will purchase green energy for the Village, on behalf of all ratepayers in the Franklin Park Aggregation Community, whether moved to ComEd supply or to Eligo.
Notices will be mailed to residents and small business owners in mid-November.
- Ratepayers receiving an opt out notice will automatically be enrolled with Eligo and will pay exactly the ComEd rate, including the monthly variable PEA, unless they choose to opt out.
- Ratepayers receiving an informative notice will remain a customer of ComEd, also will pay exactly the ComEd rate, including the monthly variable PEA. Their account will not be switched to Eligo.
Both groups will be considered a member of the Franklin Park Renewable Aggregation program, and their energy usage will be offset by 100% renewable /green energy from renewable generation.
The US EPA states that because power supply is provided to ratepayers from a massive grid shared across many communities, “There is no way to distinguish the exact source that your electricity came from. RECs, the currency of the renewable energy market, allow you to claim that the electricity you use came from a renewable resource with low or zero emissions.”
Program Benefits:
- Guaranteed to be charged the ComEd rate, with no risk of paying more than ComEd
- No hidden fees, no additional monthly fee
- Maximum flexibility to join or leave the program, and never an enrollment or switch fee
- The Village earns designation as a US EPA Green Power Partner Community, at zero cost
- Residents’ power consumption is offset by green energy generated from renewable generation sources located in the Midwest, for zero cost
- The Village’s Carbon footprint will be significantly reduced
No one from Eligo, ComEd, or the Village will ever visit your home or call you to enroll. If a solicitor claims to be the Village supplier, Eligo, or ComEd, take their information and report the incident to the ICC at www.icc.illinois.gov/complaints. Never reveal your ComEd account number or allow a solicitor to view your ComEd bill unless you are certain you wish to enroll with that supplier and have read all terms and conditions.
Electric Aggregation Program FAQs
- How can I enroll?
During the initial three-week opt out period you need do nothing if you received an opt out notice; you will automatically be enrolled unless you opt out.
- I am located within Franklin Park, have switched to another Supplier, but would like to join. Can I do this?
Yes. Call Eligo at 708-852-3047 and provide them with your ComEd account number. If you are enrolled with an alternative supplier that is not the Village’s program, you are advised to review your contract, or call your supplier to understand any termination fees to which you may be subject.
- What is the current ComEd rate?
The annualized base ComEd rate through May 2020 is 7.224¢ per kWh, plus or minus the monthly Purchased Electricity Adjustment (PEA), which can be up to one-half cent. For more information, visit pluginillinois.org.
- Will I get two bills, one from ComEd and another from the new supplier?
No. ComEd continues to bill for electric supply, delivery and taxes. ComEd delivers electricity, and will continue to bill you, but they no longer supply it.
- If I am automatically enrolled, can I leave the program?
Yes. You will never be charged a termination fee.
- What is ComEd’s six-month “hold” requirement?
Please note State Regulations: If you move from the program back to ComEd for longer than two months, your account is placed in a “bundled hold” status, and you may not return to the Franklin Park program until a full six months has passed.
- I am enrolled in a low-income assistance program. Will I still receive those benefits?
If you currently receive assistance via PIPP or LIHEAP, your status will not be affected.
- Does the program impact my ComEd budget billing or auto-payment plan?
No. The way you pay your ComEd bill does not change.
- What happens if I move?
If you remain within the Village limits, call Eligo to re-enroll at your new address. Residents moving into the community may participate by calling 708-852-3047.
- Is the energy generated from any renewable “green” energy sources?
Yes. RECs, which are the sole currency of the green energy market, will represent power consumed. They will be sourced from wind generators located in the Midwest.
- Why support renewable wind generation resources?
For the ten years ending 2017, coal-based generation in the US has been reduced 40% whereas wind-based generation has increased by 638%. Wind energy helps to reduce carbon footprint. This program achieves a strategic objective of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Greenest Region Compact, which the Village of Franklin Park has endorsed.
For specific questions about your own electric account, do not call Village Hall; call the Village of Franklin Park’s aggregation program supplier Eligo at 708-852-3047. If you require additional assistance, call the Village’s energy consultant, NIMEC at 800-727-3820 to leave your question and callback number. You will be contacted by NIMEC within 24 hours regarding the issue.
The Illinois Commerce Commission provides additional information about energy deregulation in Illinois and energy supply choices at www.pluginillinois.org. To report an electrical outage, or for questions pertaining to your ComEd bill, always call ComEd at 800-334-7661.