In today’s AUSenergy News Update: Retail natural gas companies in Illinois are hoping to follow electricity’s example, over 3 million Illinois electricity customers have switched to competitive suppliers, and the importance of residential demand response is neatly displayed in an infographic.

Retail Natural Gas Firms Press Lawmakers to Allow Municipal Natural Gas Aggregation

Summary: The last couple of years have seen substantial reductions in the market price available for natural gas opposed to the price offered by local utilities in Illinois. These savings have ignited the conversation to allow municipalities to aggregate and purchase natural gas for their residents in much the same way that Illinois municipalities have already done for electricity.
AUS Comment: Many states currently offer municipal aggregation of gas accounts, like Ohio. The bundling of gas accounts for aggregated pricing will allow residential accounts to achieve savings otherwise not available to standalone accounts.

Over 3 Million Electricity Customers In Illinois Have Switched to Competitive Supply

Summary: As of October 31st, 3,020,353 residential electrical customers in the ComEd territory were being supplied by alternative suppliers. All 3 Ameren Zones also experienced increased migration to competitive suppliers during the month of October.
AUS Comment: Competition continues to thrive and provide savings to residents in Illinois, deregulated since 1997.

The Importance of Residential Demand Response Displayed in an Infographic

Summary: Demand Response is an important part of the nation’s energy mix. Peak load management helps utilities deliver a more reliable and cost-effective supply of electricity. Residential demand response programs are essential to successfully manage peak load.
AUS Comment: Demand response participation is expected to grow over 50% in the next 6 years.