The City of Chicago has announced an increase in its use of wind power to 5%. The power will be purchased from downstate wind farms as a result of recent negotiations with Itegrys Energy. In November of 2012 Chicago voters approved a municipal aggregation program which allows the city to negotiate cheaper energy rates on citizens' behalf. As a result of the aggregation program, the city selected Integrys Energy as its electricity supplier while the previous supplier, ComEd, remains responsible for delivering the electricity. This switch allowed the city to modify its power mix to 95% natural gas and 5% wind while eliminating its previous 43% use of coal. The aggregation program has helped residents and small businesses save an estimated $21 million on electricity bills since February 2013.

Press Release - Mayor Emanuel Announces City Aggregation Doubles the Amount of Wind Energy to Customers, Removing the Equivalent of 100,000 Cars From Streets

Additional Information - Perfect Power Institute Spotlight on Early Adopters, Chicago, IL

Additional Information - Illinois Communities Opt for Community Choice Aggregation