The electric supply rate for Jacksonville customers who are part of the city’s municipal aggregation program has increased to 13.19 cents per kilowatt hour as Ameren Illinois’ cost has risen to 11.326 cents per kWh.
A kilowatt-hour is a standard measurement of electricity used. One kilowatt-hour is equal to using 1,000 watts of power continuously for one hour. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. residential electric customer uses an average of about 899 kilowatt hours monthly.
City officials said its voluntary aggregation program through Homefield Energy is at a fixed rate through May. Residents automatically are enrolled in the program but can opt out at any time without penalty. If customers return to Ameren and do not select an alternate supplier within 60 days, they may be put on a 10-month utility hold period during which they cannot enroll with the aggregation program, according to the city.
“As a result, if Ameren’s future non-summer rate exceeds the city’s aggregation rate, customers who have opted out could be required to remain on Ameren service for the duration of that hold period,” according to city officials.
Ameren’s current rate is locked in only until October. Its rate for October through May is expected to be announced later this year, and an additional rate adjustment is expected in January, the city said, citing a recent history of January rate adjustments.
To opt out of the city’s municipal aggregation program, call Homefield Energy at 833-200-9834 or go to HomefieldEnergy.com/optout. When asked for a 10-digit code, provide the account number associated with the service that should be removed from the program.