Lower power rates possible

DIXON – Voters in Lee County’s unincorporated areas will get to decide whether to let the county negotiate for lower electric rates.

It’s the same issue that will go before voters in a number of area municipalities, including Sterling, Dixon, Morrison, Amboy, Franklin Grove, Ashton and Tampico.

The referendum will be part of the Democratic and Republican primaries on March 20. Voters who don’t want to declare a party still can vote on the issue.

On Tuesday, the Lee County Board adopted an ordinance to put the issue on the ballot.

Voters in some other area towns already have decided to let their local governments negotiate for lower power rates. Residents in Fulton, Polo and Erie, among others, have seen their electric bills decline by at least 12 percent.

A new Illinois law allows towns and counties to negotiate for lower rates. ComEd remains the distribution system, but other companies can compete to sell their power through ComEd’s lines.

Residents who don’t want to participate in the municipal and county agreements with power companies can opt out.

County Board member Dick Binder, R-Compton, said he would rather have an opt-in provision.

“If you don’t do something, you will take their plan,” he said. “I would want a positive option.”

Mike Mudge of Rock River Energy Services, which is negotiating on behalf of many local governments, said state law requires an opt-out provision.

“This is about the money that will come into the county,” Mudge said. “It’ll save each resident. It’s an economic generator.”

Member John Ferrone, R-Dixon, favored the idea.

“It’s simple dollars and cents,” Ferrone said. “The bigger the group, the lower the prices.”

Binder countered that rural residents have had plenty of opportunities to lower their rates.

Ferrone said the discount would be greater with the county as the negotiator.

“I’m not so sure of it,” Binder responded.

The County Board voted 19-7 to put the issue before the voters.

Mudge said he had talked with Whiteside County officials about putting the issue on the ballot. He said he hopes to get the issue before Whiteside voters in the November general election.