Resident tells council Homefield Energy opt-out mailings repeatedly failed; city staff outline options

At the June 9 meeting, resident Kevin Burris reported repeated problems with Homefield Energy's opt-out process, saying opt-out cards were lost in the mail multiple times (including 2023 and 2024) and that he was switched to Homefield despite returning an opt-out card. Burris asked whether a permanent opt-out option could be made available when the city next renews its contract with the supplier.

Mayor Robert L. Spencer said he had called Ameren and asked to remain with Ameren. City Clerk Melissa Kellerman told Burris the city offers an online opt-out option "to avoid the postal issue." City Attorney Don Bigham told the council "the statute requires the company must follow procedure to opt-in or opt-out," and said he believes Ameren can switch customers back if the company did not follow timing rules for conversions.

Burris said the problem has occurred in October 2023, July 2024, and May 2025 and described monitoring mailings and acting quickly as necessary to protect service choices. Commissioner William B. Stotlar and others commented that an opt-in model would be preferable for customers, and council members characterized the problem as confusing, particularly for older residents.

No formal change to the city's supplier contract was made at the meeting; Burris asked city staff to check whether a permanent opt-out could be offered at the next contract renewal. City staff advised residents of the online opt-out option and said they will note Burris's concerns for contract discussions.

Quotes from the meeting include Burris saying he is "required to stay with [Homefield] 30 days" when cards are not processed in time, and City Clerk Melissa Kellerman advising residents they can opt-out online.