The Sycamore City Council approved an energy aggregation referendum that will give residents the opportunity to save money on their utility bills.

The council unanimously approved putting a referendum for energy aggregation on the March ballot during Monday's meeting, two weeks after it stated its intent to pursue the cost-saving option.

Municipal aggregation would allow Sycamore to go to the open market as a community to leverage the best rate from energy suppliers. Because the energy is bought in bulk, residents are able to save more with the municipality entering short-term contracts with opt out options on their behalf.

Mayor Ken Mundy said the flexibility and cost-saving opportunities aggregation offers residents is a "win-win" situation. The city has operated its utilities under an aggregation rate, saving Sycamore roughly 5-7 percent, Mundy said.

"Folks need to keep in mind the flexibility – no one is getting trapped," Mundy said of the option to stay with ComEd. "We believe we are going in the right direction."

If Sycamore is in line with the savings other Illinois municipalities have seen, residents can expect to save between $150-$200 on their power bills. The new supplier could begin providing energy as early as August if residents approve the March referendum. ComEd would continue to deliver the energy and handle the billing and maintenance services.

The council Monday also addressed potential energy savings for the city, approving a contract with the Illinois Department of Transportation that will result in switching 10 traffic light intersections from incandescent bulbs to more energy-efficient LED modules. The state will provide most of the funding
at $158,290 while the city will invest $6,612 in the project.

While there is an initial cost, Acting City Manager Brian Gregory said it will save the city money on energy costs in the future because the LED lights are more efficient and will not need to be switched as frequently.

Third Ward Alderman Greg Taylor said the city has run into some trouble with its current LED traffic lights during the winter because they do not emit enough heat to melt snow. Gregory said the public works department has needed to clear those lights off in the past, but the energy savings would still offset any additional maintenance.

The architects proposed creating a large lightwell in the roof, which floods the stairs and landing with daylight and creates a natural space for drying laundry on the newly-installed drying rack. Either side of the skylight, a loft area has been created with ample storage, accessed by a neat wooden ladder up to a mezzanine area. Below the mezzanine a tranquil, daylit resting spot has been created, complete with chaise longue.

The large rooflight opens and closes according to electronic temperature and humidity sensors, bringing a constant flow of fresh air into the house, which circulates down through to the ground via ventilation grilles placed alongside new triple-glazed windows. Slimline, with a tilt-and-turn closing mechanism, they are completely secure.