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Electrical Co-op
Who is eligible for the co-op? The following McLean County Chamber of Commerce members with commercial electricity service from Ameren or ComEd are eligible:
Where do I get an application? You can download it from the McLean Chamber of Commerce website or call our office. The application includes instructions for completing and returning it. How much does it cost to join the co-op? The fee is $300 per business location for the full contract term. This includes all accounts that are metered at that location. There will be no other charges or added points to the electricity pricing. How much will I save? That depends on the amount of electricity you use and the rate class you are in. Each business’ electrical usage varies. The program is best suited for members who spend at least $200 per month on their electricity supply. Based on our experience in Illinois, DS-2 small commercial accounts can expect to save 6% to 8% in the first year of a 36-month contract. DS-3 mid-sized commercial accounts can expect to save 8% to 12% in the first year of a 36-month contract. DS-4 large commercial accounts who opted not to remain with Ameren can expect to save 15% or more in the first year of a 36-month contract. (Businesses with DS-4 accounts who did not opt are not eligible to participate until after June 1, 2008.) What if I don’t like the bids received or I change my mind on bid day? Each member of the co-op will individually accept or reject the bid. If you reject the bid, the application fee will not be refunded. It offsets the cost to establish the co-op, prepare the bid and negotiate pricing. What if I move my business to a new location? Your co-op rate can usually follow you to your new location. Just be sure to contact the Chamber in plenty of time to ensure smooth transition. What if I have businesses in other areas, outside the McLean Chamber service area? Can they be included? As long as you have at least one business operating in the Association or Chamber’s service area, other locations may also be included at the per-location fee of $300. Why do you need copies of my current electricity bills? Each co-op member is required to submit a copy of ALL PAGES of their most recent bill for each account that is to be included in the co-op. These bills provide important information that will be used by the consulting firm and the suppliers during the bid process. What if I join the co-op and the default rates go down? Your contract will remain in effect. Remember, while the rates may go down slightly for a period of time, the goal of the co-op is to bring you long-term budget stability. If you want to “play the market”, the co-op is probably not for you.
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