Peoria Standard

Municipal electric aggregation programs offer a way for municipal and county governments to collaborate with energy consultants to seek bids from "alternative retail electricity suppliers." By grouping municipalities together, these programs aim to leverage a pool of electric customers to secure savings through a fixed, bulk rate over the contract period, typically lasting up to 24 months. During this period, the rate per kilowatt-hour remains constant, protecting consumers from utility rate hikes while allowing them the option to opt out. The City of Peoria and the County of Peoria (unincorporated area only) have participated in such a program since 2012 following voter approval.

Currently, Homefield Energy supplies electricity under this program. From July until early December 2025, the electricity supply price for those receiving energy from Homefield will increase from 10.3 cents to about 12.9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This change will result in higher bills for average residential customers during the summer months. For those who have opted out of the municipal electric aggregation program, Ameren has posted their summer rates, which could change in subsequent months. The new rate takes effect on June 1, with Ameren's BGS-1 Residential Rate estimated at approximately 12.2 cents per kWh for summer; non-summer rates remain unknown at this time. The rate adjustment is due to an annually recalculated capacity charge that necessitates a notification letter to all participants, offering them the opportunity to stay in or opt out of the program.

The current agreement between both the City and County with Homefield extends through December 2025. A new contract will be rebid this fall, and another round of notification letters will be sent out in late fall. These letters will provide City residents and unincorporated Peoria County residents an opportunity to review new terms and decide whether to remain in or opt out of the program. The ability to opt out is embedded within the state’s aggregation program and cannot be altered by either the City or County.

To determine your electric supplier, refer to the “Electric Supply” section on your Ameren bill for details on your supplier and current rate. Options can be compared at pluginillinois.org.

If you are currently part of the aggregate program with Homefield and wish to continue or are with Ameren and want to switch to Homefield – no action is required on your part. However, if you are with Homefield and wish to switch back to Ameren or if you are already with Ameren and wish to remain so – you must complete the opt-out process via mail, phone, or online as indicated in your notification letter.