Chamber Energy Co-op
Cooperative Energy Purchases Benefit Area Businesses
If you have any questions about joining the next round, please contact Laura Jones at 422-2200.
Whether buying copier paper or advertising space, most businesses understand that bulk purchasing equals cost savings. The same principle applies to the mass purchase of energy, although few understand the intricacies of buying electrical kilowatts in bulk. Through its Energy Co-Op, the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce demystifies the process of purchasing power on the open market and provides a means for area businesses to reap the benefits of buying in bulk.
Getting electricity from production to the point of use takes three steps:
1) generating the electricity;
2) transmitting it from producer to distributor
3) distributing the power to consumers.
Before Illinois deregulated electrical companies in January 2007, one company handled all three steps. Deregulation now permits consumers to choose the company that supplies their electricity from a competitive field. The transmission and distribution functions continue to be provided by the local electric utility.
Ameren Illinois Utilities provides electrical transmission and delivery service to the Decatur area, but deregulation allows consumers to seek out the best available prices by purchasing power on the open market. Ameren Illinois spokesperson Stacey Young states, "We encourage customers to explore other electric supply alternatives just as the Decatur Chamber and other local businesses in Decatur have done. For many business customers, switching electric suppliers may provide relevant cost savings."
However, few consumers have the time, skill, or patience needed to exercise this newfound freedom - or the "buying muscle" to command the lowest prices. Through the aid and expertise of energy consultant Richard "Dick" Anderson of CQI Associates, central Illinois Chamber members can take advantage of bulk purchasing, while leaving the headache of researching the best prices and providers to the professional. CQI has conducted over 150 energy procurement bids since September 1999, purchasing an estimated $950 million of supply services for over 15,000 accounts in 16 states.
The Chamber's Energy Co-Op has pooled the purchasing power of 1,600 regional businesses over the past two-and-a-half years, allowing members to stabilize their electric rates. By purchasing their energy in advance at a set rate, these members have removed the uncertainty of fluctuating power costs and added predictability to their budget projections.
Click here for the Energy Co-op Application
Click here for the CQI Associates Energy Co-op Presentation pdf
What do current Chamber Co-Op participants have to say?
"We encourage customers to explore other electric supply alternatives just as the Decatur Chamber and other local businesses in Decatur have done. For many business customers, switching electric suppliers may provide relevant cost savings."
-Stacey Young, Spokesperson for Ameren Illinois
"We have saved over $10,000 on an annual basis since joining the electric co-op."
-Jeff Ingle, General Manager, The Decatur Club
"Significant savings are evident since we have been part of the Chamber's Electric Co-Op."
-Lane Ransdell, First Christian Church
"I don't have to worry about my monthly rate fluctuating, which is great for projecting my budget."
-John Ninnemann, Downtown Cafe
Opportunity
Illinois deregulated electrical companies in January 2007, permitting the separation of power supply from transmission and distribution. Ameren Illinois Utilities supplies electricity and provides electrical transmission and delivery service to the Decatur area, but deregulation allows consumers to purchase power from a competitive field of suppliers. Through its Energy Co-Op, the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce demystifies the process of purchasing electricity and natural gas power on the open market and provides a means for area businesses to reap the benefits of buying in bulk.
Price Stability
The Co-Op pools the purchasing power of regional businesses, allowing members to stabilize their electrity and natural gas costs. By purchasing energy in advance at a set rate, Co-Op members remove the uncertainty of fluctuating rates and add predictibility to their budget projections.
Credibility
Over 1,600 regional businesses currently participate in the Chamber’s Electric Co-Op. Through the aid and expertise of energy consultant Richard Anderson of CQI Associates, members take advantage of bulk purchasing, while leaving the headache of researching the best prices and providers to the professional. CQI has conducted 150 energy procurement bids since September 1999, purchasing an estimated $950 million of supply services for over 15,000 accounts in 16 states.
