In an effort to cut residents' energy costs, the Village of Cary will put an electrical aggregation question on the March 20 ballot.

Cary voters will have the ability to decide if the Village should pursue an alternative electric power supplier for residential and small business customers within the corporate boundaries of Cary.

Gov. Quinn signed legislation in August of 2009 allowing village boards to transfer their residents' electric accounts to alternative suppliers.

The Village Board of Trustees approved a resolution to authorize placement of a referendum regarding a Municipal Electrical Aggregation Program on the spring ballot.

Voters will be asked if the village should be given the authority to seek competitive bidding prices for electrical power and to enter into a single contract that would include all residents and small businesses.

If the referendum passes, all residential and small business retail electric loads would be bundled into one single account and the Village would begin the bid process to secure a lower electric rate than the standard rate offered through ComEd.

The Village would only approve a contract if a bid results in lower electricity rate prices.

If Cary voters approve the referendum and a contract is awarded to an alternative electric power supplier, residents would be given the opportunity to “opt‐out” of the new program and remain with ComEd’s current provider.

Notices would be mailed to residents providing them with an “opt‐out” deadline date.
Municipal Electrical Aggregation allows municipalities to seek bids for an alternate electricity supplier; ComEd would remain the distributor of electricity in the Village. Residents would continue to receive electricity bills from ComEd and ComEd would remain responsible for all distribution issues, including power outages.

The Village has created a “Frequently Asked Questions” publication with more information regarding Municipal Electrical Aggregation. Residents are encouraged to visit the Village’s website at

Information provided by Tara Semenchuk, Assistant to the Village Administrator