Electric Aggregation FAQ
9/24/2025
Electric Aggregation Frequently Asked Questions
Many residents have or will be receiving mail regarding the aggregation program. The Village participates in the program to give our residents options – but does not have the ability to change how the process works or what it looks like. Below is a list of frequently asked questions that may be helpful on how the program works.
Note: Please do not drop off your opt-out form at City Hall. We cannot mail your forms back. Please use the enclosed pre-paid return envelope and place in the mail.
How can a community enroll residents without their approval?
The aggregation program was voted on and passed by the residents of the Village of Ridge Farm in April 2013 by pubic referendum.
Who is eligible for the municipal aggregation?
Residential and small commercial customers (under 15000 kWh per year usage) located in the participating governmental entity boundaries may participate. Customers enrolled in real time pricing, Power Smart Pricing, electric space heat rate, or already being served by an alternative retail electric supplier are eligible under the law but are not automatically enrolled. If you are in one of these programs or with a different supplier, you will need to review your pricing and contractual obligations in order to determine which options are available to you at this time.
What action must I take to participate in the aggregation program and I want to have my electric supply included in the program?
Each eligible account holder will receive an opt-out letter. The account holders do not need to take any action to participate in the aggregation program and to get the negotiated electric supply rate.
How do I opt-out of an aggregation program?
The chosen supplier will send opt-out notices to all eligible residents and eligible small businesses within the municipality or county. You will need to fill out and return the opt-out notice to be excluded from the aggregation program. You may also do so by phone or on the supplier website.
Who do I call if my power goes out?
You continue to call Ameren Illinois. Ameren Illinois provides the delivery services for your electricity, delivering the electricity to your home, and is responsible for service and reliability issues, regardless of whom you choose for your electric supplier.
What does opt-out aggregation mean for customers that already have a contract with a supplier or are on Ameren's real time pricing programs?
If you are enrolled with a different alternative supplier or participate in one of the Ameren's residential real-time pricing programs at the time the opt-out notices are being sent out, you will not be included in your municipality's or county's aggregation program. You may receive a different notification letter (opt-in) about the program than your neighbors, explaining that your electric supply will not be included in the program unless you request it to be. We suggest you check your rates and look to see if there are any penalties involved by canceling your current program.
Who will send out my monthly bill and who do I pay? Do I still only get one bill?
Yes, you will continue to receive one monthly bill from Ameren. The bill will include the charges for electricity supplied by us, as well as the delivery service charges from Ameren.
Can I stay on budget billing?
Yes, your budget billing will not be affected by your participation in this program.
What if I decide to opt-out after the opt-out period?
You may opt-out anytime during the term of the agreement with NO fee. However, if you opt-out and remain out of the program for a period of 60 days or more without choosing a new alternative supplier, you will be required by Ameren to stay with the Utility for one year regardless of the rate.
How does municipal aggregations affect solar programs such as community solar and net solar participants?
Community solar customers can participate in the aggregation program and earn any discounts allocated to them. Those discounts will be applied to the aggregation program rate instead of the Utility rate.
How do new residents enroll in the aggregation program?
New residents or residents moving to new addresses within their community have two options to re-enroll. First, they may contact the aggregation Supplier by phone, email, or on their website and opt into the program. Two, periodically during the program the supplier will request a list of newly eligible accounts. Those customers will receive new opt-out notices and will automatically be enrolled if they do not opt-out of the program. We urge customers to enroll on their own and not wait for the supplier opt-out, which may take several months.
If I have previously opted out of the aggregation, do I have to opt out again?
Yes, new opt outs are sent out to customers each time there is a rate change, or a new supplier is chosen. State regulations require every customer who is eligible to participate in the program must receive new opt out notices even if they previously opted out of the program.
Does the aggregation prevent all portions of my bill from going up during the program period?
There are two portions of customer power bills, supply and delivery. Aggregation programs can only negotiate and bid the supply rate. The Utility company sets all delivery rates which are the same for both participating aggregation customers and non-participating customers.
Constellation Contact Information:
Web: https://www.constellation.com/solutions/for-your-home/governmental-aggregation/illinois-aggregation-programs/RidgeFarm.html
By Phone: 844-268-4892