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Council hears frustrated residents about aggregation choice and rising distribution charges
Summary
Residents told the council they are confused about the city’s electricity aggregation changes and how to return to ComEd; councilors and staff agreed to publish contact numbers and to clarify the difference between generation supplier contracts and ComEd distribution rate increases that take effect this year.
Residents and council members pressed staff Monday for clearer information about an electricity aggregation contract the city awarded after a re‑bid and about recent and upcoming distribution rate increases by ComEd.
Councilors said many residents called city offices complaining that their electric bills are higher and that they were told by ComEd they could not be switched back unless the supplier released them. Several residents asked the council to publish clear steps and phone numbers for customers who wish to return to ComEd or opt out of a supplier contract.
City staff explained the distinction between the aggregation supplier (the company that sells generation, e.g., Rock River Energy/Nordic as used by some residents) and ComEd, which owns the wires and charges distribution fees. Council members and a ComEd representative (George Golarath) warned that a separate, ICC‑approved increase in ComEd’s distribution rates will raise customers’ monthly bills starting in June, and that switching suppliers will not eliminate those delivery charges.
Aldermen urged staff to prepare a short, plain‑language advisory explaining: how to opt out or request a release from a supplier; the supplier’s customer‑service number; and the expected ComEd distribution charge changes. Council also asked staff to ask the supplier for confirmation of any administrative fees for late opt‑outs and to publish that information prominently on the city website or social media.
Ending: Staff agreed to coordinate with the supplier and ComEd to publish opt‑out instructions, a supplier contact number for release requests and an explanation of the June distribution rate increase.
