Gurnee Green Energy
Electrical Aggregation Program
Following the passage of a March 2012 voter Referendum, the Village of Gurnee began contracting to procure electric supply in a municipal electric aggregation program for residents and small businesses. Since 2012, this program has saved the average household $375 on their electric bill and Gurnee residents over $3.7 million -combined.
The Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) rate for electricity has increasingly become more competitive and now equals or is lower than most third-party rates. Due to the competitiveness of ComEd's rate being lower than private bids, the Village has contracted with MC Squared Energy Services LLC to offer a 25% renewable energy program. They were selected, as part of a competitive bid, to serve eligible residents and small business customers with a fixed electric supply price of 7.05 cents per kWh for a 10-month term beginning with the December 2023 ComEd meter read cycle, ending with the October 2024 ComEd meter read cycle.
Notices were mailed to residents and small businesses around October 18th, 2023. Some accounts that are currently being served by ComEd, will be moved to MC Squared with the additional benefit of renewable energy. For those moved to MC Squared ratepayers will be charged a rate of 7.05 cents per kWh which will also include 25% renewable energy. ComEd and residents served by MC Squared Energy will continue to be billed by ComEd. There will be virtually no change to residents, except the addition of renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Green Energy Aggregation Program work?
Gurnee residents approved an aggregation program by referendum in March of 2012. Therefore, the Village looks to establish a contract with a supplier with the sole aim of benefitting the residents and the community.
Since 2012, this program has saved the average household $375 on their electric bill and Gurnee residents over $3.7 million combined. The Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) rate for electricity has increasingly become more competitive and now equals or is lower than most third-party rates. Due to the competitiveness of ComEd's rate being lower than private bids, the Village has contracted with alternative suppliers for the past 10 years.
In September, the Village signed a contract MC Squared Energy Services to serve residents and small business customers with a fixed electric supply price of 7.05 cents per kWh for a 10-month term beginning with the December 2023 ComEd meter read cycle. The 10-month period was chosen to run during ComEd’s annual rate to give residents a comparable rate that in addition supplies 25% Green Energy to the Village through Renewable Energy Credits (RECS).
To learn how Renewable / Green Energy and RECs work, view this video clip prepared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Through this program the Village will be designated an EPA Green Power Community.
How does MC Squared Rate compare to ComEd’s rate?
Ratepayers will be charged a rate of 7.05 cents per kWh which will include 25% renewable energy.
The new MC Squared rate makes residents exempt from the Purchased Electricity Adjustment from ComEd. ComEd has the right to move their rates each month with the Purchased Electricity Adjustment. Those that move to MC Squared will be exempt from this adjustment and will not see it on their new bill from ComEd. Our consultant, Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC) believes this will lead to a better rate for our residents with MC Squared.
What are the benefits of being in this program?
-Fix-rate of 7.05 cents per kWh
-No hidden fees, no termination fee, flexibility to join or leave the program at any point
-The Village earns designation as a US EPA Green Power Community, at zero cost to you
-Residents’ power consumption is offset by Green Energy generated from renewable generation sources located in the Midwest, for zero cost
-The Village’s Carbon footprint will be significantly reduced
How do I participate?
Depending on which notice that you received:
If you received the notice entitle. “Gurnee Green Energy Aggregation Program Notice”, you are now in the program and you do not need to take any additional action to participate.
If you received the notice entitle. “Gurnee Green Energy Aggregation Program Notice – Opt In Notice”, you must take action to opt into the program. You may enroll by visiting www.mc2energyservices.com/special and entering the promo code Gurnee or by calling 833-421-1257, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no enrollment or early termination fees.
How do I opt-out or cancel my enrollment?
Depending on which notice that you received:
If you received the notice entitle. “Gurnee Green Energy Aggregation Program Notice”, you have twenty-one (21) days from the postmark date on the notice to opt out. You may opt out by calling 833-421-1257, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or returning the enclosed card by November 7, 2023. You may also opt out by emailing your name and address to gurnee@mc2energyservices.com. If you do not Opt Out of the Green Energy Aggregation program, you will be deemed to have authorized and agreed to your enrollment in the Village’s Green Energy Aggregation program, and to have your electricity supply service with MC Squared under the “Terms and Conditions” and “Uniform Disclosure Statement” enclosed. If you are currently participating in a community solar savings program, or will be in the future, this municipal electricity aggregation supply program will not impact your community solar program. The community solar generation credits provided by ComEd are independent of this aggregation program.
If you received the notice entitle. “Gurnee Green Energy Aggregation Program Notice – Opt In Notice”, you do not need to take any additional action as the notice you received was informational only.
In addition, you can opt in or opt out of the program at any time with no termination fees.
What if I’m not on the ComEd fixed rate program?
If a resident has made a decision to move away from ComEd fixed rate for either solar panels, joined their hourly program, or found a different supplier, they will receive a letter informing them of the program, but they will not be included in the program. By Illinois state law, those that have made decisions other than the ComEd fixed rate program will remain with their current situation.
If interested in joining the Green Energy Aggregation Program, it is recommended to ensure that there are no early termination fees with their current provider.
Will there be any change to my billing or service?
Your billing and service will remain the same. You will continue to receive a single bill from ComEd and continue to be eligible for all ComEd payment options, including e-bill, automatic bill payment, and budget billing. ComEd continues to be responsible for wires, poles, and all emergencies, including outage restoration.
If I am automatically enrolled, can I leave the program?
Yes, you will never be charged a termination fee.
I am enrolled in a low-income assistance program. Will I still receive those benefits?
If you currently receive assistance via PIPP or LIHEAP, your status will not be affected.
Does the program impact my ComEd budget billing or auto-payment plan?
No, the way you pay your ComEd bill does not change.
What happens if I move?
If you remain within the Village limits, call MC Squared to re-enroll at your new address. Residents moving into the community may participate by calling 630-468-0369.
If I already have a different power supplier, or solar panels, how will this impact me?
Nothing will change. If residents have made a decision for their own power supplier, they will not be impacted. If those residents would like to join the program they can at no cost. It is recommended that they check with their current supplier to ensure there are no cancellation fees.
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No one from MC Squared, ComEd, or the Village will ever visit your home or call you to enroll. If a solicitor claims to be the Village supplier, MC Squared, or ComEd, take their information and report the incident to the ICC at www.icc.illinois.gov/complaints. Never reveal your ComEd account number or allow a solicitor to view your ComEd bill unless you are certain you wish to enroll with that supplier and have read all terms and conditions.
For more information, call MC Squared at 833-421-1257, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email Gurnee@mc2energyservices.com with any questions or concerns.