MORRISON – The Whiteside County Board voted unanimously Tuesday to put a referendum on electrical aggregation on the April ballot.

If it passes, the county will have the authority to combine households and small businesses into an electricity-buying group, resulting in increased buying power and more competitive prices. Those who wish to can opt out of the program.

A majority of voters in 12 Sauk Valley communities voted in favor of electrical aggregation in March, and more than a dozen cities, villages and townships in the Sauk Valley approved local aggregation Nov. 6. Households are expected to save an average of $400 a year.