One Step Closer to Cheaper Electricity in Northfield

 officials are looking for cheaper electricity than what Commonwealth Edison is currently providing, meaning they could join a growing number of Illinois towns that are doing so.

The village, however, would first need residents’ approval. 

The Northfield Village Board officially voted during its board meeting on Aug. 20 to put a question regarding electrical aggregation on the Nov. 6 ballot. The question will ask voters if they authorize the  to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residents and small business customers. 

How does electricity aggregation work?

According to a Northfield public information document, electrical aggregation is all about helping residents in the community.

"To save Northfield residents money on their electrical rates, the Village Board is investigating electrical aggregation," it reads. "By negotiating with alternative electrical supply companies, the Village has the ability to negotiate a lower rate for electricity. Many of our neighboring communities on the North Shore have already approved electrical aggregation."

The village can only solicit bids for the power generation portion of the electric bill; ComEd will still be dealing with power distribution and handling monthly bills for Northfield residents. Residents would still call ComEd if services were interrupted.

If a referendum passes, the village could still choose to purchase power from ComEd. Residents or small businesses could also choose to keep their original power supplier even if the village is working with another power supplier.

If the referendum doesn’t pass, the village would not have the authority to solicit bids and find out who has the cheapest electricity price and will have to work with ComEd. 

Nearby communities saving $2.8 million

The North Shore Electricity Aggregation Consortium reported that its customers saved about , according to a press release. The eight communities in the consortium are Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Park Ridge and Skokie. 

Wilmette expects its electricity aggregation customers to save a total ofover eight months, and the Village of Kenilworth expects its customers to save a total of . 

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