Electric Aggregation

What is Aggregation?

Why are we automatically included unless we Opt Out? Why can't we be left alone and then choose to Opt In if we want to?

This is an honest question, and one we have been asked already. (Interestingly, the question was posed by someone who does not live within our Village, but it was a good enough question that we have decided to address it.)

The answer is threefold:

1) Because who has time to do the research on their own?

Diving into the world of electric rates can be confusing and time consuming. There are SO many suppliers to choose from, and it's difficult to determine which companies are ethical and which ones are out to take advantage of unsuspecting citizens. The legitimate companies lock in a good rate and strive to provide good rates for their clients for years to come. Other less-than-legit companies promise an enticing rate in the beginning but it's "variable." It changes to an exorbitant rate where they profit at your expense.

As representatives of the Village and your neighbors, we sincerely believe that the negotiated rate is the best deal and the most responsible decision for our community's households. Plus, Ashmore does not get any type of "kickback" or financial benefit for doing business with Homefield Energy. The Village does not gain by choosing your provider. We simply want to provide the best deal possible for our people.

2) The more people who enroll means more negotiating power.

We can only get this optimal rate because we bring the whole community. This is also why we team up with so many other geographic populations. Tiny ol' Ashmore doesn't have the negotiating power on its own, but when we team up with Charleston, Mattoon, Effingham, Coles County, and other communities, we are able to bring some "oomph" to the negotiating table.
Homefield Energy knows that each of our households have the right to Opt Out, but the reality is that most people won't. As such, we all benefit because we are banded together.

By all means, this is NOT meant to shame or convince anyone into staying in the program if your desire is to Opt Out. If your gut tells you to choose a different supplier, then please do. Our rates are locked in now, and you choosing a different supplier will NOT "ruin it" for your neighbors. We emphasize: You have the right to choose your supplier. We're simply trying to make it easier on you. We revert back to reason #1 above.

3) Because we took a vote (literally!), and this is what our people wanted.

The election ballot on November 6, 2012 included the decision to join or not to join with the aggregation group for optimal electrical rates. Ashmore voters responded 246 to 64 in favor of being included with the aggregated rates.

IN SUMMARY, by doing the research and making the decision for you, and then NOT requiring you to do anything to benefit from it, we make it as easy as possible for you to come out ahead. In doing so, we are also not limiting your right to choose. You can easily Opt Out and make the decision for yourself too.

Please keep in mind, if you opt out of the aggregation program, there is no fee or penalty for doing so. (In fact, NO supplier can legally charge you a penalty for cancelling your supply and switching to someone else.) However, if you opt out, you cannot opt back in to the aggregation program for 12 months. Ameren changes their price twice a year: a summer rate and a non-summer rate. So, if you opt out for the summer rate (hypothetically speaking), then you cannot opt back in for the non-summer rate a few months later.

Current Aggregation Terms