CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Residents of Champaign will continue receiving their electricity directly from Ameren for the foreseeable future, as the City’s Municipal Electric Aggregation (MEA) program remains suspended.
Initially paused in July 2024, the MEA program will not resume until at least spring 2026, following multiple failed attempts to secure a competitive energy rate. According to City officials, four separate bidding efforts in summer 2025 failed to produce a supplier offering a rate lower than Ameren’s projected supply rate—making a restart of the aggregation program economically unfeasible for residents at this time.
“This does not mean the MEA program is permanently canceled,” city staff emphasized. “If future bids come in lower than Ameren’s rates, we will absolutely revisit reinstating the program.”
In the meantime, Champaign residents have three options for managing their electricity supply:
- Do Nothing – Residents can simply stay with Ameren, which will continue to supply electricity at rates that may fluctuate slightly each month.
- Choose a New Energy Supplier – Over 40 alternative suppliers are available at the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Plug-In Illinois website. These options offer varying plans, including renewable energy sources and fixed or variable rate contracts.
- Subscribe to Community Solar – Through programs listed by the Citizens Utility Board, residents can support solar energy and potentially save on bills, with a variety of plans available based on contract length and billing options.
For more details, residents are encouraged to visit champaignil.gov/mea or call 217-403-4700 to speak with a Customer Service Representative.