Electric savings through IEC are tied to:
(1) bulk purchasing under one statewide contract;
(2) reduced administrative costs and fees in working with one agreement; and
(3) maximizing the number of participants in terms of KWH volume purchased.

Maximizing the number of participants is critical to IEC overall savings. High participation means potential electric suppliers will be more aggressive in offering attractive pricing and services.

How much will it cost to participate in IEC?
There is no fee to participate. However, some utility company fees and meter installation costs may impact the amount of savings. IEC and Latham & Associates will work to secure support of IEC from all Illinois electric utility companies and to minimize these fees. Remaining utility fees, which are not waived or reduced, along with association, administrative, and consulting fees, will be netted from the participant's savings, so that each participant will know the true savings.

Describe the economic evaluation process for IEC?
Before a member commits to participation, savings are estimated based on a broad sampling of historical electric usage, and supply prices at which IEC expects to contract for bulk purchases. All utility transmission, delivery cost and administrative costs for IEC are included in the projected net savings for each participant by category of services for each utility.

As noted, key factors to maximize savings include the KWH volume and number of participants. Looking to the future, savings on one building may make it worthwhile to place all buildings in IEC for single bill and for the long-term savings potential from participating in the purchasing consortium. The potential savings depend on a building's particular usage patterns, the utility company's practices and fees, and the actual electric supply price.

How are IEC participants billed?
The IEC Board will provide direction on billing and the IEC Program Administrator (Ameren Energy Marketing) will provide a single bill from IEC to each participant with itemization by building. The IEC Program Administrator (Ameren Energy Marketing) is responsible for collecting payments from participants and paying the electric supplier, the utility company, and other costs associated with administration of the program.

Who will answer IEC participant's questions?
IEC will work closely with its energy advisor and Program Administrator (Ameren Energy Marketing) to respond to any questions related to IEC operations, billing, and utility regulation. A toll-free telephone number will be provided.

What is the role of the IEC Program Administrator?
The IEC Program Administrator (Ameren Energy Marketing) will be responsible for all IEC daily operations.