The City of Urbana selected Direct Energy as the low bidder after a competitive bid for the local electricity aggregation program. Direct Energy will supply electricity at stable, fixed rates from May 2026 through April 2027. Residents will receive a letter from the City of Urbana and Direct Energy at the end of March or beginning of April with details about the electric supply and how to decline the offer if desired. An example of the letter is posted on the city website.
Details
- Residents will receive opt-out notices from the supplier and a confirming notice from Ameren regarding the switch to a new rate.
- If account holders decide to opt out after becoming part of the aggregate, they can do so with no termination fee or other obligation.
- Residents and eligible small businesses who do nothing are automatically enrolled and will receive the new rate starting with the May meter read.
- All residents and small commercial accounts will continue to receive one bill issued by Ameren Illinois.
- Residents cannot be simultaneously enrolled in municipal electric aggregation and power smart pricing.
Pricing
Residents enrolled in Urbana’s municipal electric aggregation will receive an electricity supply price of $0.12880 per kilowatt hour (kWh). That price will be fixed from May 2026 through April 2027. The price also includes the purchase of renewable energy credits for 25% of the electricity supplied by the aggregation program thereby greening the energy supply.