Will I be required
to utilize the new supplier if the City selects one?
No. If the
referendum passes, but you prefer not to be a part of the
aggregation program, you can opt out and continue to receive
electricity from Ameren. Before the City of Lincoln chooses any
power supplier, all residents and small businesses will be notified
by mail that they can opt out of the Program by simply sending in a
postage-paid a form provided by Ameren.
Will Ameren no
longer by my electric company and the City of Lincoln will become my
electric
No. Ameren would
still be responsible for delivering your electricity and managing
the infrastructure required to transmit the electricity. Ameren
would also still be responsible for responding to any service
requests. Thus, if there is a power outage, you would still contact
Ameren. The only thing that may change would be the supplier. In
fact, your bill would still come from Ameren, and it would include
services charges for the new supplier on their bill. The City of
Lincoln will have nothing to do with supplying or delivering your
electricity.
Why is Lincoln
pursuing an Opt-Out Electrical Aggregation Program?
Many surrounding
municipalities have already initiated similar programs, or are
considering them on the ballot. In communities where the new program
is underway, residents have seen savings of 10 to 20 percent on
their Ameren bills. City officials felt that such an effort could
have similar benefits for Lincoln residents and small business
users.
I have been
contacted by suppliers who have offered a rate reduction already.
Should I consider makin2 a switch now?
Several alternative
energy suppliers have been marketing their rates and service offers
to residents via mail and through door-to door contact. While you
certainly can enter into an agreement with any of these suppliers,
residents should proceed with caution. Please note that none of
these suppliers have been selected as the authorized alternative
supplier for Lincoln. You should thoroughly research the rate
information they provide with a credible website like
www.pluginillinois.org.
In addition, you
should be aware that some companies are falsely marketing themselves
as Ameren or as a designated affiliate of Ameren. Also, please
proceed with caution when entering into an agreement with these
alternative suppliers. It has been reported that some such
agreements carry severe cancellation clauses with high termination
fees.