MT. VERNON, IL — Residents have started seeing opt out letters offering a different electric aggregate than the one they are automatically enrolled into through the City of Mt. Vernon.

Assistant City Manager Nathan McKenna says in 2012, citizens voted to allow the city to negotiate on their behalf for an aggregated rate in the energy market.

The new fixed rate will begin in December of this year.

McKenna says the letters that residents are receiving are for opting out of the fixed rate negotiated by the city.

Citizens can visit pluginillinois.org to shop around for different electrical rates and suppliers. McKenna cautions those shoppers to be sure they are getting a fixed rate versus a variable one.

If you’re a resident in the city of Mt. Vernon, you are automatically enrolled in the aggregate unless you choose to follow the steps on the opt out letter and shop around.

McKenna says to call city hall at 242-5000 or Affordable Gas & Electric at 203-8328 if you have any questions.