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Electrical Aggregation
What is electric aggregation?
Since 2009, Illinois state law allows municipalities to arrange for the provision of electricity to residential and small commercial retail customers by alternative electric suppliers (i.e. suppliers other than ComEd). This process is known as electricity load aggregation. Electricity is still delivered by ComEd, which remains responsible for customer service, such as billing and outage response.
Northbrook joined with Cities of Highland Park and Lake Forest and the Villages of Deerfield, Lake Bluff, and Skokie in the North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium. The hope is that combined purchasing power will enact increased competitive pricing.
Customers pay the same rate as they would with ComEd, and the alternative supplier (MC2) provides a rebate to the contracting municipality. The six participating communities will generate $1.6 million in total funding over three years at no additional cost to utility ratepayers. Each community will use their share of aggregation revenues to advance local energy efficiency and renewable sourcing.
Per your letter, MC Squared will automatically enroll you in the type of service that is most advantageous to our electricity aggregation program. There are no fees/charges to opt-in or to opt-out. If you choose to participate, aggregation is seamless for the customer!
For ComEd customers, whether you choose to participate or not, you will continue to pay the same default ComEd rate. ComEd continues to be responsible for billing, electricity delivery, and customer service. Payments will still be sent to ComEd, and how you pay your bill will not change. The only difference on your bill is “MC Squared Energy Services” will be designated as your supplier in the “Supply” section.
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Tessa Murray
Sustainability CoordinatorPhone: 847-664-4134
MARCH 2023 mailings
In 2023, some residents and small businesses may receive supplier-change letters from ComEd to alert residents that MC Squared Energy Services, the Village’s electric aggregation supplier, is now serving their account.
This letter is in regards to supplier change notices for some, but not all, Village accounts. Due to the pandemic, huge shifts in consumption patterns, and a change in a regulatory price impacted cost and volume dynamics in the power market, some residents and businesses may receive letters from MC Squared Energy Services concerning their return to ComEd supplied power. Only some participants will receive a letter as this only affects a portion of participants.
There is no change in your rates when you move from ComEd to MC Squared. You will still be billed by ComEd and contact ComEd with any service or outage issues.
You may still opt-out at this time if you wish, and there will be no fees associated with making this change. To opt out, call (855) 697-0286, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or e-mail Northbrook@mc2energyservices.com.
Electricity Supply Alternatives
Consumers interested in exploring electricity supply alternatives can learn more through the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) at citizensutilityboard.org/electriccompetitioncomed / 800-669-5556. See a list of offers from the Illinois Commerce Commission at pluginillinois.org / 217-785-7456.
Solicitations
MC Squared Energy Services is the only vendor endorsed by the Village. Any solicitor who comes to your door or calls asking you to switch to a new supplier is not associated with Northbrook’s Electric Aggregation Program, MC2 or ComEd.
Never reveal your ComEd account information to solicitors who say they represent the municipality or ComEd.
- I received a letter from MC2. What does it mean?
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In the coming weeks, some residents and small businesses may receive supplier-change letters from MC Squared Energy Services, the Village’s electric aggregation supplier.
This letter is in regards to supplier change notices for some Village accounts. Due to the pandemic, huge shifts in consumption patterns, and a change in a regulatory price impacted cost and volume dynamics in the power market, some residents and businesses may receive letters from MC Squared Energy Services concerning their electric supplier. Only some participants will receive a letter as this only affects a portion of participants.
If you received a "Return to ComEd" letter, you are no longer serviced by MC Squared.
If you received an "Opt-Out" letter, you are being onboarded onto the alternate supplier MC Squared, unless you choose to opt-out.
- Why are some accounts with ComEd and some with MC2?
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First, there is no difference to you: the price is exactly the same. Suppliers analyze every meter: depending on complex usage patterns, certain accounts are selected to remain at ComEd and others move to MC2. All pay the exact same rate.
- Will my billing change?
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No, you will continue to receive one bill from ComEd; any payment plan you’ve set up will not change.
- Will my electric service be disrupted when I switch?
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No, there will be no disruption in service. You will continue to receive the same electric service through the same transmission and distribution system currently operated by ComEd. The switch to or from MC2 is seamless.
- Who should I contact regarding problems with my electric service?
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ComEd will continue to be responsible for the delivery of service to you, power outages and all emergencies, regardless of your electric supplier.
- Who is MC Squared Energy Services?
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MC Squared Energy Services, LLC (MC2) is a certified, retail electric-service provider headquartered in Chicago. MC Squared Energy Services, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wolverine Holdings. For more information on the company, visit their website at www.mc2energyservices.com.
- I received an opt-out letter. How does this effect me?
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Essentially zero change except under the "Supply" section of your ComEd bill, it will now say "MC Squared Energy Services" instead of ComEd. You will continue to pay exactly the ComEd rate.
- I received an opt-out letter. What is my rate with MC2?
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There is no change whatsoever in the rate that you pay. There is zero financial impact to your account. The program with MC2 is at exactly the ComEd rate, and when your account moves to ComEd, you will continue to pay the ComEd rate. There are no added fees, ever.
- I received an opt-out letter. Can you explain how enrollment is handled?
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Under this new program, some, but not all, customers are moved from ComEd supply to an alternative supplier. Customers receiving opt-out letters in the mail will be enrolled automatically to receive electric supply from MC2 unless they choose to opt out by following the instructions in the letter. Additionally, a “change in supplier” letter from the Utility will be sent confirming enrollment in the Northbrook Electric Aggregation Program.
- I received an opt-out letter. How will I be billed if I’m enrolled?
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You will continue to receive a single bill from ComEd each month. “MC Squared Energy Services” will be designated as your supplier in the “Supply” section of your ComEd bill. ComEd will continue to bill you for distribution services and taxes. Payments should still be sent to ComEd at the address provided and how you pay your bill will not change. There is no impact to ComEd services such as Budget Billing, Peak Time Savings and/or financial assistance.
- I received an opt-out letter. How do I opt out?
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If you received an opt-out letter, this includes a postage-prepaid reply card to opt-out that you can return to MC2. You may also call (855) 697-0286, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or e-mail Northbrook@mc2energyservices.com.
- I received an opt-out letter. Is there an early termination fee?
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There is no termination fee; you are only obligated to pay for services rendered under the contract until your service is terminated. You may cancel at any time by contacting MC2.
- I received an opt-out letter. What happens at the end of the program term?
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At the end of the term, if Northbrook decides to end the program, all accounts served by mc2 will be returned to ComEd service or the Village may select a different supply to administer the program.
- I just received a letter stating my electric account is moving back to ComEd supply service. Why is this happening?
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The aggregation program allows for a switch between our supplier MC Squared Energy Services (MC2). It’s ultimately an effect of the pandemic. Huge shifts in consumption patterns and a change in a regulatory price impacted cost and volume dynamics in the power market.
- I received a “Return to ComEd” letter. What is the ComEd rate?
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The annualized base ComEd rate is 7.81¢ per kWh, plus or minus up to a half cent variable called the Purchased Electricity Adjustment (PEA) which can change each month. The base ComEd rate is reset June 1 of each year. For more information about the ComEd rate, visit www.PlugInIllinois.org, a site established by the Illinois Commerce Commission for Illinois residents and small business owners to learn about electric aggregation, electric power suppliers, and the ComEd rate.
- I received a “Return to ComEd” letter. How does this affect me?
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Essentially zero change except under the "Supply" section of your bill, your supplier is now ComEd instead of MC2. You will continue to pay exactly the ComEd rate. Your account is still considered a part of the Aggregation program.
- I received a “Return to ComEd” letter. Is there an early termination fee?
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There is no termination fee; you are only obligated to pay for services rendered under the contract until your service is terminated. You may cancel at any time by contacting MC2.
- I received a "Return to ComEd" letter. What do I need to do?
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You do not need to take any action. Your account will be moved to ComEd supply service at your next meter read date.
Sustainability
Is the energy provided by MC Squared renewable?
Both ComEd and MC Squared purchase all of their energy wholesale from PJM Interconnection, which is a regional power grid that serves all or part of fourteen states in the northeastern United States. For this reason both companies report the same mix of energy sources including the use of renewable and nuclear energy. All electric suppliers in Illinois are required to submit Environmental Disclosure Information every three months, which gets posted online. This includes percentages of each energy source used to power the grid.
Is Community Solar also part of the aggregation program?
No, Community Solar and Aggregation are two separate Village programs; however, they are both operated by MC Squared Energy Services. Northbrook also has a Community Solar program that allows participants to save 20% on their energy supply costs through net metering credits. You can learn more at www.northshorecommunitysolar.com. Community Solar participants need to stay on ComEd’s default supply to receive the best savings and will not be enrolled in the aggregation program.
How will the Civic Contribution be used in Northbrook?
The Board of Trustees is ultimately responsible for deciding how to use these funds. Considerations may include Climate Action Plan projects such as electric vehicle charging installations or a renewable energy installation for municipal facilities. Please use this online form and direct your message to the Sustainability Commission to submit your thoughts on project ideas or priorities.