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Ameren and Cilco are now energy distribution companies providing the
structure to carry electricity. The electricity being supplied is
billed at a default rate. The default rate has been and will
probably continue to be higher to businesses than if the business
were to negotiate a rate from a supplier.
Problems of being too small or not familiar with the energy
market are now being eliminated by cooperatives. CQI Associates,
Energy and Management Consultants, developed a program they are
offering to chambers of commerce across the nation. Bonnie Grady was
asked to present the program to Lincoln and Logan County businesses.
Last week Grady shared a wealth of information on the history,
current market conditions and the anticipated future of energy
availability and prices. While Illinois legislators agreed on Monday
to address recent rate hikes through Ameren and Cilco, this is still
a good opportunity to become familiar with what is going on in this
market and possibly exercise the option to purchase energy at a set
rate for a period of time.
According to CQI statistics, the company has conducted over 155
energy procurement assignments since 2000 that have included over
17,800 accounts for over 12,000 owner locations. Energy management
programs have saved clients over $950,000,000.
The majority of the chambers that are participating are in
Maryland, and there are several in Delaware. In Illinois, CQI has
established cooperatives with the Decatur, Champaign County and
Peoria area chambers of commerce.
In the program being offered, contracts are set up in advance and
the cooperative monitors market prices, waiting for a low rate to
lock in. "Members have the option to accept or reject the final
offer" when a price is offered, Grady said.
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 Any business spending over $200 a month on electricity will want
to consider this program, Grady said. She documented savings that
have been seen from the program so far.
First year:
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Small businesses
see a savings of 6 percent to 8 percent.
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Midsized
businesses, 8 percent to 12 percent.
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Over 1 megawatt
load, over 15 percent.
These savings can be two to three times better following the
first year, Grady said.
The program is ideal for a wide range of participants that may
not realize it, such as doctor's offices or municipalities.
Grady said last week that another opportunity to enroll in the
program would be presented in six months.
Participation in the program is open to all chamber members. Any
business can join the chamber at a low membership fee.
The $300 program application fee is made to CQI, the company
hosting the program.
The Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce has scheduled one
additional presentation of "Buying energy in an open market." It
will take place on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Park District
headquarters. The meeting is open to all businesses in Logan County.
[Jan
Youngquist]
CQI Associates:
http://www.cqiassociates.com/ |
