Feb. 7, 2012 -- At 6:30 p.m. Feb. 21, before the 7:30 p.m. regular Village Board business meeting, trustees will hear a report from Village staff on electric aggregation, and then discuss whether the Board would like staff to investigate options for purchasing electricity from a supplier other than ComEd for residents and small businesses.

In 2009, the Illinois General Assembly passed a law permitting municipalities to contract with alternative electric suppliers. ComEd would still serve as the power system distributor – in other words, the utility would still own and maintain the power lines and associated infrastructure. Through a bidding process that would have to be authorized by referendum, however, the Village might be able to arrange for residents to select another supplier which advertises lower rates than are currently available.

Residents have probably already read articles and gotten solicitations from electricity vendors about this option.

The Village Board is aware that Glenview residents and merchants have strong opinions about current rates. But before the Board considers asking residents to make a decision, the Board needs to fully understand what electric aggregation is and all its implications. That will be part of its Feb. 21 workshop discussion, and probably a few subsequent meetings.