Commercial Program – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible to join the Chamber program? Chamber members with business locations in Illinois with commercial electricity service from Ameren or ComEd are eligible:
   
   
   • DS 2 – Small Commercial accounts
     
     
   • DS 3 – Mid-sized Commercial accounts
     
     
   • DS-4 – Large commercial accounts (over 3 megawatts load) who opted not to remain with Ameren by the November 2006 deadline. (DS-4 accounts who did not opt out are not eligible to participate until after June 1, 2008.)
     
     
   • DS-5 – Outdoor Lighting accounts (may be eligible for the co-op)
     
     
2. How will the coop benefit my business?
   The Chamber program pools the buying power of commercial electric customers to procure energy at the best available competitive market price. In addition to our local membership, the Chamber is a part of a larger buying group with other central Illinois Chambers. Members of the group have reported an average savings of up to 14% compared to the utility default rate. The savings is typically equal to one month's utility bill per year. If your monthly power bill averages $200, you can save money through this program.
   
   
3. How much does it cost to join the co-op?
   The fee is $150 per business location for the full contract term (typically 36 months). This includes all accounts that may be metered at one location. There will be no other charges or added points to the electricity pricing.
   
   
4. What if I don't like the bids received or I change my mind on bid day?
   Each member of the co-op will individually accept or reject the bid. You do not have to accept the bid. The application fee will not be refunded. It offsets the cost to establish the co-op, prepare the bid and negotiate pricing.
   
   
5. What if I move my business to a new location?
   Your co-op rate can usually follow you to your new location. Just be sure to contact the Chamber in plenty of time to ensure smooth transition.
   
   
6. What if I have businesses in other areas, outside the Chamber of Commerce service area? Can they be included?
   As long as you have at least one business operating in the Chamber's service area, other locations may be included at the per-location fee of $150 (pricing cap available on multiple locations). Businesses served by rural or municipal cooperatives are not eligible for this program.
   
   
7. Why do you need copies of my current electricity bills?
   Each co-op member is required to submit a copy of ALL PAGES of their most recent bill for each account that is to be included in the co-op. These bills provide important information that will be used by the consulting firm and the suppliers during the bid process.
   
   
8. What if I join the co-op and the default rates go down?
   Your contract will remain in effect. Remember, while the rates may go down slightly for a period of time, the goal of the co-op is to bring you budget stability through a long term contract. The current Ameren default rate is 11.2 cents per kWh for DS2 accounts and 7.8 cents per kWh for DS3 accounts.
   
   
9. What is the process for joining the coop?
   Chamber members may only join the coop during designated enrollment periods. Notices of the enrollment period will be provided through the Chamber newsletter, by email and on the Chamber's website. Informational meetings will be held that will outline the program and allow members to ask questions of our consulting firm representative.