Municipal Aggregation
4/17/2025
The City of Athens was able to lock in a fixed rate of electric supply for all residential and small commercial (less than 15,000 kWh annual usage) Ameren accounts on 03/26/2025. The fixed all-in rate is $0.10899/kWh, with Constellation Energy. This rate is locked in for 12 months starting with the June 2025 meter read. This rate does not apply to delivery or other charges.
Now, rates are going up again. Suppliers are suggesting 11 to 12 cents per kWh for energy beginning in June. While we can never truly know the future, the rate environment and current market forces suggest a dramatic increase in costs.
There are several factors for the increase in prices:
- Market Correction
- Coal and Natural gas production is being cut.
- Coal and Natural gas Electric generation plants are being closed.
- New Electric needs (EV’s or Electric Vehicles) will increase the demand for electricity.
- New Data Centers being built and using large amounts of electricity.
Ameren will be buying bulk energy for a June start date, and it will be considerably higher than the current rate. You will be getting a letter in the mail from Constellation Energy explaining your new Municipal rate. If you do nothing with the letter you will be automatically enrolled with Constellation Energy at the rate of $0.10899 p/kWh. However, if the Ameren rate is lower in June, you can opt out and go back to a supplier of their choice.
As a reminder, in 2012 a question was put on the ballot, which stated “Shall the Municipality have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such a program?” and a majority of the citizens passed the referendum.
A group was formed called: Central Illinois Municipal Aggregation or CIMA. It allows 22 communities to band together for competitive pricing for all their residents.
When the new price takes place, we expect Ameren prices to be considerably higher than where they are currently. The CIMA rate locks in the fixed rate of $0.10899 for 12 months with no ups and downs.
If you wish to opt out and use a supplier of your choice, please note you must remain out of the Municipal Aggregation for a one-year period before returning.
Attached below is a link of a sample letter that will be mailed out.
As always if you have any questions, please feel free to contact City Hall at 217-636-8429 or your Alderman.
Thank you.
Sample Letter Link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c4opRjh_6_JK-3b-_CNPfzWkn-QAL75M/view?usp=sharing