MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION
MEA INFORMATION
Municipal Electric Aggregation (MEA)
Municipal Electric Aggregation (MEA) is a program created by a 2010 Illinois law that allows municipalities to purchase electricity on behalf of their residents and small businesses. By pooling (or “aggregating”) electric accounts, the City can seek competitive bids from retail electric suppliers (RES) to secure a group rate for participants. Small businesses using 15,000 kilowatt hours or less per year are eligible to participate.
Residents and small businesses are given the option to opt out of the program. Those who opt out can purchase electricity at Ameren’s default rate or contract directly with a retail electric supplier.
For more information and a list of suppliers in Champaign’s Ameren Rate Zone 3 area, visit the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Plug In Illinois website. Suppliers offer different plans, including renewable energy options, fixed or variable rates, and various contract lengths.
City of Champaign MEA Program – Updated July 15, 2025
In March 2012, Champaign voters approved a referendum allowing the City to create a Municipal Electric Aggregation (MEA) program. The City’s Plan of Operations and Governance explains how the program is managed.
On June 3, 2024, the City announced that its MEA program would pause for the July 2024 – June 2025 period because no supplier could offer a rate lower than Ameren’s. Efforts to restart the program in summer 2025 were unsuccessful for the same reason. On July 15, 2025, the City confirmed that the program will remain suspended until at least spring 2026, when it will be re-evaluated.
This suspension does not terminate the MEA program. If a competitive electricity rate becomes available, the City could reinstate the program in the future.
Residents and small businesses have three options:
- Stay with Ameren – Ameren’s supply rate changes monthly.
- Choose a retail electric supplier – Suppliers are listed on the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Plug In Illinois website.
- Join a community solar program – Several options are available on the Citizens Utility Board website.
For questions, contact the City of Champaign Public Works Department at 217-403-4700, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., excluding City holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this short video, the City addresses some frequently asked questions about the City’s MEA program, including public notices, opting in/out, and renewable energy options. The video is a clip from the MEA Council Study Session held on December 5, 2023. That entire discussion can be reviewed on our website HERE.
Complaints
The City of Champaign has received reports of aggressive or misleading sales calls and visits from some energy providers. These companies are not affiliated with the City’s Municipal Electric Aggregation (MEA) program.
Be aware that anyone claiming to:
- Confirm your enrollment in the City’s program,
- Say you must act quickly, or
- Ask for your Ameren account information
should be disregarded. The City will never contact residents this way. Do not share your Ameren account number unless you are knowingly enrolling with a different electricity supplier.
If you experience aggressive or misleading behavior, you can file a complaint with:
- Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), phone 800-524-0795, or go online at the ICC website
- Illinois Attorney General’s Office, phone 800-243-0618, or visit their website
- Champaign Police Department, phone 217-351-4545 for in-person solicitations in Champaign
