What is electricity aggregation?
On August 10, 2009, Governor Quinn signed into law Public Act 096-0176, which allows municipalities to arrange for the provision of electricity to residential and small commercial retail customers by alternative electric suppliers (i.e. suppliers other than ComEd). Under the new law, the Village of Lake Villa may seek bids for the provision of aggregate electricity supply services to these customers, in hopes that the selected rate will be lower than the standard rate offered by ComEd.
Electricity aggregation combines the retail electric loads of customers, in this case, thousands of customers. By combining the electrical loads, the Village of Lake Villa can leverage its buying power for Village residents and small businesses.
Who is eligible to participate?
Eligible residential requirements: All residents located in the Village of Lake Villa that are currently receiving electricity supply service from ComEd are eligible to participate, with the Opt-In exceptions noted below. Eligible residents are automatically enrolled unless they choose to Opt-Out.
Eligible business requirements: All small businesses located in the Village of Lake Villa that are currently receiving electricity supply service from ComEd, with an annual usage of 15,000 kWh or less are eligible to participate, with the Opt-In exceptions noted below. Eligible residents are automatically enrolled unless they choose to Opt-Out.
Opt-In Exceptions: All residents and eligible small businesses located in the Village of Lake Villa that are currently receiving service under the following rates are eligible to Opt-In to the program.
- ComEd’s Hourly Rate
- Retail Electric Service
Are space heat customers eligible for the negotiated rate with MC Squared Energy Services (mc2)?
Yes. Recent regulatory changes at the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC Order No. 11-0498) will eliminate the rate benefits for electric space heat customers. Over the next few years, ComEd’s electric space heat rate is expected to continue to increase until it matches ComEd’s standard residential rate.
mc2 electricity rates negotiated for the electricity aggregation program can result in significant savings for customers on ComEd’s electric space heat rate. As such, the Village of Lake Villa is now proactively offering this benefit to space heat customers that reside in the Village.
If you switch your electricity supply service to mc2 and at a later date elect to return to ComEd for electricity supply services, you will retain your electric space heat rate designation with ComEd if it continues to be available.
What will change on my electricity bill?
The only real change to your ComEd bill will be the reduction in the price for electricity supply services. You will continue to receive a single bill from ComEd on a monthly basis. mc2 charges for electricity supply and transmission services will be included in the “Electricity Supply Service” portion of your ComEd bill. ComEd will continue to bill you for distribution services and taxes. Payments should still be sent to ComEd at the address provided by the utility.
You will continue to be eligible for all ComEd payment plans, including e-bill, automatic bill payment, and budget billing. In addition, if you are currently enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), you will continue to receive the full benefits of the program.
What do I have to do to participate?
Nothing. All eligible residential and small business customers will automatically be enrolled unless they choose to Opt-Out of the program. Residential and small business customers have until August 7, 2012 to Opt-Out.
What if I don’t want to participate?
You are not obligated to participate. If you wish to be excluded from this opportunity, return the Opt-Out notice that was provided to you by mail. The customer of record may also call 1-855-564-8133 to Opt-Out of the program.
When will I start to see the savings on my electricity bill?
mc2 will begin supplying your electricity on your September meter read date. Your ComEd bill will reflect your new price the following month.
What if I have already switched to an Alternative Retail Electricity Supplier (ARES)?
If you have already switched to an Alternative Retail Electricity Supplier (ARES), including mc2, you will not be automatically enrolled into this program. However, you have the opportunity to Opt-In by calling mc2 at 1-855-564-8133. You will need to provide your account number, name, address, and phone. Please note that you may also be subject to early termination fees or other restrictions by your current provider. You should check with your current provider to better understand any restrictions or policies that might apply.
How is mc2 different from ComEd?
mc2 serves as a licensed Alternative Retail Electricity Supplier (ARES), selling electric power to residential and business customers. mc2 purchases bulk power to be delivered to the ComEd system. ComEd, in turn, delivers that power, and thus serves as a local distributor in charge of the physical delivery of power to your residence. ComEd retains all control and responsibility for the distribution wires, substations, poles, and meters; in addition to being responsible for all service issues, such as outages. Customers should contact ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 for assistance with meter readings, outages, voltage or other delivery-related concerns.
Will my electricity service be disrupted when I switch?
No, there will be no disruption in service. You will continue to receive the same electric service through the same transmission and distribution system currently operated by ComEd. The switch to mc2 is seamless.
What if my power goes out – who do I call?
ComEd is responsible for ensuring that electricity flows through its distribution network to all homes and businesses. Being a member of an electricity aggregation program does not change how ComEd responds to outages. ComEd continues to be responsible for the wires, poles, and all emergencies, including outage restoration. All service issues, including power outages, should still be reported to ComEd at 1-800-334-7661.
Will I receive confirmation of my switch to mc2?
ComEd will mail you a confirmation letter indicating they have received notice of your switch to mc2 as your electricity supplier.
Is there an early termination fee?
No. However, you will be obligated to pay for services rendered under the contract until service is terminated.
Can I rescind my enrollment if I missed the Opt-Out period?
You may rescind your agreement with mc2 prior to enrollment with ComEd. You can also rescind your agreement and the pending enrollment with ComEd, within ten (10) days after you receive the enrollment notice from ComEd.
Who is MC Squared Energy Services, LLC?
mc2 has been a licensed Alternative Retail Electricity Supplier (ARES) in the State of Illinois since March 2009, marketing to residential and commercial customers in Illinois. mc2 is a wholly owned subsidiary of DPL Energy Resources, Inc. (DPLER). DPLER is, in turn, a wholly owned subsidiary of DPL Inc., a regional energy company. For more information on the company, including a leadership-team profile, please visit our website at www.mc2energyservices.com.
What is the toll-free number for questions?
If you have any questions, you can call mc2 toll-free at 1-855-564-8133, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email your questions to LakeVilla@mc2energyservices.com.