Carbondale advises residents of lower Ameren electric rates, offers option to opt out of aggregation program

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — The City of Carbondale, a member of the Southern Illinois Aggregation Partnership (SIAP) alongside 94 other communities, is informing residents of new Ameren Illinois electric rates that have dropped below those offered through the city’s current aggregation supplier, Homefield Energy.

According to Affordable Gas & Electric Company (AGE, LLC), Ameren Illinois has announced lower electric rates for the non-summer period of October 2025 through May 2026. Ameren’s new price-to-compare is $0.08402 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is less than Homefield Energy’s aggregation rate of $0.11789 per kWh, fixed through May 2026. Ameren’s summer rate had been $0.1218 per kWh.

Carbondale residents currently enrolled in the city’s aggregation program with Homefield Energy may opt out at any time without penalty. To do so, participants can call Homefield Energy at 866-694-1262 and should have their 10-digit Ameren account number ready.

Residents who opt out will return to Ameren Illinois for electric supply service on their next available meter reading date. Ameren will mail a confirmation letter once the transition is finalized. The letter will note that customers have 60 days to select a new electric supplier if they wish. If no supplier is chosen within that period, Ameren will continue as the electric provider for an additional 10 months before residents are again eligible to select a retail supplier.

City officials said they are evaluating options for the aggregation program beyond the current contract and will share updates as they become available. The program’s goal remains to provide stable and competitive energy rates, while allowing residents the flexibility to pursue lower-cost options when available.

For more information, residents may contact Jordan Haarmann, Director of Procurement and Business Development for AGE, at (618) 203-8328 or jordan.h@agellc.com.

For media inquiries, contact the City of Carbondale Public Relations Officer at (618) 713-0711.