SI Chambers of Commerce Seeking Protection Against Electricity Plant Closures


“Given the two scenarios, it appears an increase in electric supply rates is inevitable.  If somehow there is a legislative response, that will undoubtedly come in the form of some type of subsidy imposed on the residents and commercial users of electricity.  Absent a legislative response, four plant closures in a year is all but certainly going to lead to less supply and subsequently an increase in electricity prices in the market” said Jeff Haarmann, Managing Partner of AGE, the coordinator of the Southern Illinois Chamber of Commerce Electricity Buying Group.  “These short-term changes have nothing to do with the federally mandated EPA regulations for cleaner energy, which could have an even further devastating impact on prices.”

Chambers such as Marion, Carbondale, Jefferson County, Herrin, Lawrence County and others throughout Southern Illinois are seeking rate protection by enrolling members in their collective buying group now, negotiating long-term rates now while the relative price of electricity is still low.

“We are advocates for our members.  Having the ability to save our members potentially tens of thousands of dollars is just as important as driving additional revenue to our communities.  The dollars we are able to save our members are dollars that go straight to their bottom line.  Those dollars saved stay in our community and allow our members to re-invest in their businesses and people.  The dollars continue to be spent several times over in our local economies.  That benefits everyone,” said Dalus Ben Avi, Marion Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.

Negotiations are currently taking place for chamber members who are already participating in the Southern Illinois Chamber of Commerce Bulk Electricity Buying Group.  Those negotiations are seeking to extend rates well into the future by securing rates now while markets are still favorable.

The Southern Illinois Chamber of Commerce Bulk Buying Group including the Marion Chamber of Commerce is holding an open enrollment period for members who are not currently enrolled in the Electricity Buying Group.  Beginning July 25, chamber members who have not made a choice of electricity supplier and are still on Ameren’s default rates, or chamber members who have a current supply contract that expires in the next twelve months, can contact their respective chamber for enrollment details.  Upon closure of the enrollment period on August 12, the collective group of new enrollees will be competitively bid to multiple suppliers seeking to serve the collective commercial aggregate with long-term rate security.

Click here to learn how you can save with the Southern Illinois Chamber of Commerce Bulk Buying Group. 
Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter - Marion Chamber of Commerce Newsletter 072016

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