06/26/2026
Electrical Aggregation letters:
The City of Carthage had negotiated a better electric rate for it's citizens. Everyone is allowed to opt out at any time during the agreement period. By doing nothing you will automatically receive the better rate. Like most things, buying in bulk results in a better price and by allowing the city's advisor to negotiate using a consortium of citys to get a bulk discount we are able to benefit as a whole. Ameren will still deliver the electricity and do the billing. You will see nothing change on your service other than a better price. The following explains in more detail.
Carthage, IL — The City of Carthage is pleased to provide residents and small businesses with information regarding municipal electric aggregation, a program designed to offer greater choice, price stability, and potential cost savings on electricity supply.
Municipal electric aggregation allows local governments to combine the purchasing power of residents and eligible businesses of Carthage, as well as a consortium of several other communities grouped together to secure competitive electricity rates through an alternative supplier.
The program was authorized in Illinois through state legislation and was approved by local voters prior to implementation.
Like many things, the ability to buy in bulk results in better pricing than what a single individual customer’s rate would be.
How Electric Aggregation Works
• The city, through our advisor, negotiates a bulk electricity supply rate on behalf of participating customers
• Residents and small businesses are automatically enrolled, unless they choose to opt out
• Ameren continues to deliver electricity, maintain infrastructure, and respond to outages
• Billing remains consolidated through Ameren, with supply charges reflecting the negotiated aggregation rate
Participation is voluntary, and customers may opt out at any time without penalty, depending on program terms.
Key Benefits for the Community
• Potential Cost Savings: Aggregation can provide electricity supply rates that are lower than standard utility pricing. Average bills are estimated to be $10-$15/month lower than what they might be.
• Rate Stability and Predictability: Contracts may include fixed-rate pricing to avoid sudden increases. The new contract will last for 16 months.
• Local Control: The City maintains control over program structure and supplier selection.
• Transparency and Consumer Protection: Includes opt-out provisions, notifications, and safeguards.
Important Customer Information
• No interruption in electric service will occur
• Ameren will continue to handle billing and service
• Customers can opt out before or after enrollment
• Eligibility may not apply to all customer classes
• No City employee or elected official will receive any additional compensation for this agreement.
Community Impact
Municipal aggregation empowers Carthage to leverage collective buying power while maintaining reliable service through existing utility infrastructure.
Next Steps
Residents will receive detailed notices by mail prior to enrollment, including program rate information, agreement terms, and opt-out instructions.
The City of Carthage encourages all residents to review these materials carefully and make informed decisions.
To receive the benefits and potential savings from this agreement, customers do not have to do anything and are automatically enrolled. Only if customers want to opt out do they need to respond.
