FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 29, 2025
Contact: Michael Brown, 309-454-3169 x11
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL — With electricity prices poised to rise in the coming months, the Ecology Action Center (EAC) is urging Bloomington-Normal residents to take proactive steps to keep their energy costs in check—starting with some smart choices about their electricity supply.
“The most important thing residents can do right now is stay enrolled in the Constellation municipal aggregation program,” said Michael Brown, Executive Director of the EAC. “Even if you’re unsure, don’t opt out just yet—there’s no penalty for leaving later, and this program historically offers better pricing stability compared to what’s expected from Ameren’s default supply rate, which is likely to increase.”
The aggregation program, secured by the City of Bloomington and Town of Normal through a competitive bidding process, has historically provided residents with lower and more predictable electricity supply rates. Opting out too early could mean switching to a higher and more volatile rate. The new Ameren supply rate should be available in the next month or so.
In addition to sticking with municipal aggregation, the EAC recommends exploring community solar programs, which allow residents to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and receive credits on their utility bills. Many of these programs offer guaranteed savings compared to Ameren’s standard supply rates, with no upfront costs or installation required.
The Ecology Action Center strongly encourages residents to take advantage of low-cost home energy audits, which can help identify inefficiencies and low-hanging fruit for savings—like better insulation, smart thermostats, or upgraded appliances. “Every kilowatt saved is money back in your pocket,” added Michael Bay, EAC Energy Coordinator, “An energy audit can uncover simple fixes that quickly pay for themselves.”
Additionally, there may be other energy supply options that can save residents money. “Community solar is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to go green and save money,” said Michael Bay. “It supports local renewable energy and gives residents a discount on their electric bills at the same time—it’s a win-win. There is a new community solar program coming online soon in our community that the EAC will be promoting as soon as residents can sign up.” Residents can find a link to a listing of current community solar programs listed by the Citizens Utility Board; check out BNenergyBright.org for an easy link to the CUB listings.
The EAC strongly recommends against any door-to-door energy or solar program sales. The more aggressive sales pitches are often not the best deal for local residents despite what salespeople may say. All door-to-door solicitors are required to be permitted in the Town of Normal and City of Bloomington. Anyone unwilling or unable to show their permit is likely operating illegally and should be reported to the police.
For more information about staying in the aggregation program, signing up for community solar, or scheduling a home energy audit, visit BNenergyBright.org or call the EAC Energy Program Coordinator at 309-454-3169 x15.
The Ecology Action Center is a not-for-profit environmental agency with a mission to inspire and assist residents of McLean County in creating, strengthening and preserving a healthy environment. The EAC acts as a central resource for environmental education, information, outreach, and technical assistance in McLean County.
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