New Electricity Program in Elmhurst

If you are getting phone calls this month from electric companies you’ve never heard of, you’re not alone. In 2007, the state of Illinois allowed companies to compete with ComEd. In 2010, the state of Illinois passed legislation that allows municipalities to negotiate special rates with electric providers for their residents. Electricity is still delivered by ComEd, but you can actually purchase the power from someone else. Municipalities negotiate with alternate power companies to gain discounts for their residents.

Last May, Elmhurst chose Constellation as the electricity supplier for the city’s Electricity Aggregation Program. The agreement is for a rate of 7.51 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to the 7.596 cents per kWh Com Ed is charging for the summer of 2014. Residents still pay ComEd for delivery and they collect all applicable taxes and other charges. In most cases, the ComEd bill also includes the charges for electricity, which is then remitted to Constellation.

Here’s a summary of the agreement the city of Elmhurst made with Constellation. (Please note that the city does not receive any fees from this agreement.)

• A fixed price of 7.51 cents per kilowatt-hour from September 2014 through August, 2017.
• Cleaner power (14% coal versus the current 44% coal) and Constellation will offset with Green e-certified Renewable Energy Certificates.
• The possibility of increasing renewable energy offsets to 100%.
• Customers can opt out of the program now, or at any time in the contract, without early termination fees.

An Elmhurst residential customer who uses 900 kWh per month may save $30 to $35 annually over the current ComEd rates for the electricity supplied portion of their bill. Again, the agreement does not impact the electricity delivery charges assessed by ComEd. Electricity rate increases are significant this year due to the low rates the city negotiated in the previous contract and because the extreme weather of last winter caused wholesale electricity prices to increase. Rates are also rising due to charges in capacity charges, which are in place to ensure there is adequate electricity available to meet demand, especially on those hot summer days.

Elmhurst residents received a notice with a form to opt out of the program around the middle  of June. If a resident wants to participate in the program, they don’t need to do anything. If a resident wants to opt out, they can return the opt-out form in the pre-addressed envelope enclosed with the form, fax the form to 1-866-422-6233, call Contsellation directly at 1-800-718-1493 or visit their website.

The program should start in August. ComEd will continue to deliver the electricity and is responsible for service issues. Customers participating in Elmhurst’s Electricity Aggregation Program will receive a single bill from ComEd. Residents who had prior agreements with alternate electricity providers did not receive opt-out notices because they were sorted out of the original list of ComEd customers. To join the program or ask questions, call Constellation at 1-800-718-1493 between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday,  or visit their website.

Residents who want to review their options can visit the Illinois Comissions web site.

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The Original MacDougall

160 Harrison Street

When looking at homes in Elmhurst, people often hear the phrase, “It’s a MacDougall.” A MacDougall is a well-designed house built with quality workmanship created by Robert MacDougall. His reasonably-priced homes were designed in the 1950s, and yet continue to provide the highest level of comfort for today’s families. MacDougall’s 60-year legacy stands as a testament to the value of establishing a reputation for quality workmanship.

Robert MacDougall was born in Indiana in 1923 and grew up on Chicago’s northwest side. He served during World War II with the Army’s 10th mounted division. After the war, Mr. MacDougall spent four years in the Washburn Trade School Apprentice Program before arriving in Elmhurst in 1947 on the Northwestern Railroad. He was working in the building trades and was looking for a place to build a home for his family. He immediately stopped in at the northeast corner of York Street and the railroad, then Suburban Realty but now the home of LW Reedy.

173 Berkley

The MacDougall family fell in love with Elmhurst and ultimately choose a full acre lot on north Evergreen Avenue. In the Spring of 1948, using the money saved while in the Army, Robert MacDougall started their first home on the lot just south of the old Emery farmhouse at 428 Evergreen Avenue. With help from fellow tradesmen, family members and friends, Robert and his wife, Thelma Beird, moved their young family into their first house later that fall.

As soon as their own home was finished, the MacDougalls purchased another lot in the College View section of Elmhurst at 147 Berkley Avenue. Throughout the 50s, MacDougall Builders, Inc built homes all over Elmhurst. In 1957, MacDougall started building homes in Elm Estates. It became a cooperative effort with the Elmhurst School District as they were acquiring lots for Bryan Junior High School and Madison School. The company also assisted the Christian Reformed Church in acquiring lots for their church on Kent Avenue. Elm Estates was finally completed in 1963.

In that same year, Robert MacDougall was named Citizen of the Month by The Press Publications. His community involvement included holding the offices of president of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Commercial Drive for Elmhurst Red Cross, President of Northern Illinois Home Builders Association, President of the Elmhurst Lions Club, and a member of the 1st Church of Christian Scientist in Elmhurst. He was also a strong proponent of the parking structure on Schiller.

878 Parkside Avenue

Just as Elm Estates was finished, Mrs. Atwood, the wife of a former mayor of Elmhurst, agreed to sell Atwood Farm, the last large parcel of undeveloped land in Elmhurst, to MacDougall Builders. The north side of the Atwood Farm became Stratford Hills Estates, with 125 lots named Stratford Hills. In 1968 and 69, the south side of the farm became Atwood Estates. MacDougall partnered with George Patterson in building Royal York Apartments on Butterfield Road and Euclid Avenue, completing it in November of 1969. In 1970, MacDougall retired, leaving a community full of MacDougall homes that would reliably shelter many happy Elmhurst families for years to come.

The View from 101 York – July, 2014

LW Reedy has been serving the Elmhurst community and surrounding areas since 1951. As the largest locally-owned real estate agency in Elmhurst, we have a passion for local news and events. Here’s our view of the community for this month, from our perch at 101 York in the heart of downtown Elmhurst.

Every Tuesday in July
Fun & Games Program at the Elmhurst Historical Museum

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with the kids in the shade of the museum’s huge trees. Bring a blanket and picnic lunch to enjoy either before or during the free Summer Fun & Games program between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. The Museum will provide lemonade and a sweet treat while supplies last.

Every Tuesday Evening in July
Concerts in Wilder Park

You will find any kind of music you want at the concert series in Wilder Park. Support your community band or orchestra or relax to soothing Chamber music in the Wedding Garden. An evening of free music is just what you need to take advantage of a warm summer evening.

Every Wednesday Evening in July
Block to Block Party by Elmhurst City Centre

Take a walk around downtown Elmhurst and see what our town has to offer. Enjoy free music and specials from many of the stores and restaurants and check out the Family Fun Stops along the way. Stop by our office and window shop some of our favorite listings.

 

July 11 and July 25
Fiesta Fridays at East End Pool

The Elmhurst Park District kicks off the weekend right starting at 1:00 pm at the pool. With fun games, activities and fun for all ages, spice up the start to your family’s weekend. Get your pool pass today and join in the fun.

 

July 12, 2014
Geocaching 101 at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Experience the latest craze in outdoor treasure hunting. Using a GPS-enabled device, learn to navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates to find a container or “geocache” with a riddle and coordinates to the next clue. The group that finds all of the geocaches wins a prize. It is appropriate for kids aged 9 years old all the way to adults. This adventure starts at 10 am at the museum. The cost is $10 per person, $8 for museum members. Reservations are required. For more information, please call (630) 833-1616.

 

July 23 – 27, 2014
DuPage County Fair

Expose the family to a good old-fashioned country fair, right here in our own backyard at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road in Wheaton. Ticket prices are $10 per person, with children from 3 to 12 and there are specials on Wednesday, July 27. Hours are 8 am to 11 pm daily. Watch Monster Truck, listen to free music, check out the agricultural and 4-H exhibits or shop for souvenirs in the air-conditioned Fair Cafe on Friday, Saturday or Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. There will be beer and wine tastings, as well as, a carnival for the kids. It truly is fun for the whole family.\