The City of Columbia has been notified through its Municipal Electric Aggregation consultant, Good Energy, LP, Ameren Illinois has established its new residential electric rate for customers in the Columbia area. Ameren Illinois’ new rate is estimated to be $0.08450-$0.08650/kWh compared to the City’s Aggregation rate of $0.1220/kWh through Constellation New Energy. The variable difference for the residential rate compared to the aggregation rate will be between $0.0355-$0.0375/kWh. For the average residential customer using 800 kWh per month, this would equate to approximately $30 a month. However, the Ameren Illinois rate can change any time.
Due to Ameren Illinois' projected rate falling below the aggregation rate, residents may choose to opt-out of the municipal aggregation program by contacting Constellation New Energy at 833-618-0285, or visiting www.constellation.com/il-columbia. In order to opt-out, residents will need their Ameren Illinois Account Number, name on the account, and service address. This information may be found on the Ameren Illinois electric utility bill.
Although Columbia’s municipal aggregation rate will be higher than Ameren Illinois' proposed default rate, the electric market is volatile, and it is expected that high levels of volatility will continue. While the municipal aggregation rate is higher, the City's current agreement provides stability and protection with a known, fixed rate through December 2024. The City’s aggregation buying group (comprised of other municipalities from Southwestern Illinois, including Belleville, O’Fallon, Edwardsville, Troy, Glen Carbon, and several others across central and southern Illinois) approved the current aggregation program supply contract October, 2022. At the time of signing, the Ameren Illinois rate was $0.1226/kWh.
Customers who choose to opt out of the aggregation program and return to Ameren Illinois for electricity supply are subject to a contract lock period. If the resident does not choose a different alternative supplier within 60 days, they must remain with Ameren Illinois for an additional 10 months (or 1 year total) and will not be able to re-join Columbia's Municipal Aggregation Program should Ameren Illinois increase their rates.
If you are a new residential electric customer, or uncertain if you are enrolled in Columbia’s aggregation program, please contact Constellation New Energy at 833-618-0285.
In the community’s aggregation program, residents are not required to sign a contract and will not be contacted by a salesperson. Residents are advised if they are contacted by an electricity marketer, any solicitor is not part of the City's electric aggregation program, nor represents the City of Columbia.