City's Electric Rates to Remain Static Through Start of 2013

While other public utility companies talk about raising prices, the announced Monday that its utility customers will see no rate increases through the start of 2013. After that, for the next three fiscal years, customers can expect increases of 2 percent per year.

In June the city began buying electric power for its electric utility with the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) and, as a result of the new agreement and the way it is purchasing power, the city did an electric rate study to determine rates for coming years, according to a news release.

“We are extremely proud that our electric customers will continue to enjoy some of the lowest electric rates in the region,” said Department of Public Utilities-Electric Director Mark Curran in a news release. “The city council’s decision in 2007 to join the IMEA, even before the world economic downturn and during continued instability in the energy market, has allowed the city to provide its electric customers minimal rate changes over the next five years.

"This visionary leadership should be applauded by all residents and businesses as we continue to enjoy reliable and efficient electric service.”

The Illinois Municipal Electric Agency is a not-for-profit utility made up of 32 municipal electric providers that work to provide power supply and other related utility services for themselves, according to a news release from the city of Naperville.  The city’s contract with the agency continues through Sept. 30, 2035.

Because of its participation, Naperville's utility customers also benefit from the agency’s incentives and programs, including the Recycle My Fridge Program. Starting Aug. 1, Naperville single-family residential utility customers can participate in the program and call or go online to schedule a pick-up. Refrigerators or freezers must be working.

Residents interested in participating in the Recycle My Fridge Program can call 877-341-2313 or visit www.RecycleMyFridge.org to schedule a free pickup. Residents will receive a $35 prepaid card four to six weeks after recycling the appliance. Refrigerators and freezers turned in for recycling must be in working condition, 10 to 30 cubic feet and owned by the resident. Appointments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, with the program lasting until the IMEA-budgeted funds of $100,000 are distributed through all member communities.