In April all residents and small businesses will receive a letter from Direct Energy regarding the new agreement for the municipal energy aggregation program. You do not need to do anything; you will be automatically enrolled utilizing the standard rate of $0.1276/kWh in the energy aggregation program with Direct Energy. This is true for those already enrolled in the current aggregation program, as well as those currently with Ameren for their supply of energy. The only circumstances where action from you is needed, is if you prefer not to participate, or if you have previously chosen to opt-out and use an alternative supplier or Ameren, but now would now like to participate in the energy aggregation program with Direct Energy.

Illinois law provides municipalities with the opportunity to assist their residents and small businesses in reducing their electricity costs. Municipalities can aggregate the electric load of their residential and qualifying small businesses into one larger load and then solicit bids for electricity supply and related services for this larger group. These bids will reflect the electricity supply portion only. Ameren will continue to deliver the electricity across existing poles and wires.

Additional information to evaluate the various electric supply options can be found on the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Plug In Illinois website: www.plugin.illinois.gov

The municipal energy aggregation contract with Direct Energy for standard power is a fixed rate of $0.1276/kWh from the June 2026 meter read date until the August 2027 meter read date.

For comparison, the Ameren basic summer rate will be approximately $0.11326/kWh from June through September. The Ameren basic non-summer rate starting in October will be $0.10441/kWh.

Municipal Electric Aggregation is a program that allows local governments to bundle - or aggregate - residential and small commercial retail electric accounts and seek bids for a lower cost supply of power. Energy aggregation was approved by the citizens of Galesburg during the November 2012 election.

Participation in municipal energy aggregation from January 2025 to December 2025 saved Galesburg residents a total of $18,997.97, when compared with the standard Ameren rate. While energy prices have increased, resulting in a higher rate for the current contract, it is anticipated that obtaining a set rate for this contract will once again prove beneficial for citizens. However, citizens always have the option to return to the utility or opt for a contract with an alternative supplier.

Direct Energy has the new contract which will remain in effect through the August 2027 meter read date. Residents can expect to start seeing the newly adjusted rate reflected on the bills received in July or August.

You do not need to do anything to utilize the standard Direct Energy rate of $0.1276/kWh, enrollment is automatic. This is true for those already enrolled in the current aggregation program, as well as those currently with Ameren for their supply of energy.

Residents or small businesses currently under contract with an alternate electric supplier should review the terms of their agreement with that supplier to determine whether or not they are currently eligible to leave their contract without incurring any fees for terminating the contract. Only this small percentage of residents and small businesses who previously opted out and set up an agreement with an alternate supplier will not have been automatically enrolled in the energy aggregation program, and would need to contact Direct Energy directly to enroll, after verifying their options with their current alternative supplier. Direct Energy is available by phone at 1-866-968-8065. 

New Galesburg residents will need to enroll in the municipal energy aggregation program with Direct Energy.  Until then, the resident will be charged Ameren's current energy rate.

Residents or small businesses currently under contract with an alternate electricity supplier should review the terms of their agreement with that supplier to determine whether or not they are currently eligible to leave their contract without facing any fees for terminating the contract. Only this small percentage of residents and small businesses who previously opted out and set up an agreement with an alternate supplier will not be automatically enrolled in the energy aggregation program.  Customers who are eligible and interested to switch their energy supplier may call Direct Energy at 1-866-968-8065.

Other energy suppliers may solicit Galesburg residents and small commercial businesses via phone, mailings, or door-to-door to enroll with their company. Caution is recommended, as these suppliers are not the supplier selected by the City of Galesburg for municipal energy aggregation and may not be able to provide the same rates or assurances as Direct Energy. Municipal energy aggregation enrollment with Direct Energy is automatic and they will not be soliciting through any of the means listed above.

No matter who supplies the electricity, Ameren remains the delivery company. All Galesburg users would continue to contact Ameren at 1-800-755-5000 in the case of outages, service calls, and emergencies.

You will still receive a bill from Ameren with the new supplier charges included. The electricity will be provided by your supplier and the distribution through the power lines will be provided by Ameren, but you will still receive only one bill from Ameren for all services.  Residents can expect to start seeing the newly adjusted rate reflected on the bills received in July or August.

Current residents will need to re-enroll in the municipal energy aggregation program with Direct Energy each time they move.  Until then, the resident will be charged Ameren's current energy rate.

Direct Energy is available by phone at 1-866-968-8065.

The new agreement with Direct Energy will go into effect with the June 2026 meter read and run through August of 2027.  The contract is for standard power with a fixed rate of $0.1276 per kWh. 

Due to an increase in energy prices, the new rate will be an increase of $0.0187/kWh from the prior contract, but it represents the lowest fixed rate offered for this municipal energy aggregation contract. This contract is for 14 months, at which time rates will be bid again. Locking in a fixed rate ensures the rate will not increase over the term.

Participation in municipal aggregation from January 2025 to December 2025 saved Galesburg residents a total of $18,997.97, when compared with the standard Ameren rate.  While energy prices have increased, resulting in a higher rate for the current contract, it is anticipated that obtaining a set rate for this contract will once again prove beneficial for citizens. However, citizens always have the option to return to the utility or opt for a contract with an alternative supplier.