Contract End Meter Read Date:   By July 2009

The Chamber began an electricity cooperative purchasing program in 2004 to provide long- term budget stability and savings to members.

Members in the first enrollment group with contracts ending in 2008 saved 31% compared to those paying the utility Standard Offer Service rates.  Members in the initial coop sought a new contract in the spring of 2008 and are now in a 36-month contract that is 12% less than the utility Standard Offer Service rate in spite of the lowest energy prices in four years.

Members who have contracts ending by July 2009 are invited to participate in a re-enrollment program being offered this month. This is especially important since market prices are at record lows and the feasibility of obtaining lower prices is possible by June 2009 for the next 36 months.

This notice is especially important to members with contracts ending by July 2009.

Members with contracts ending by July 2009 who do not enroll will return to the appropriate utility company (BGE, PEPCO, DELMARVA, or Allegheny Power) and will pay the default rates on the current contract end meter read dates.  Standard Offer Service rates on average are 12% higher than market rates.

The Chamber is holding an information meeting on March 18 at 4:30 PM at Springhouse, 8911 Reisterstown Road.  Please RSVP by sending an email to Sherrie Becker, pikesvillechamber@verizon.net and Rachel Trager, rachel@cqiassocaites.com

The Chamber is holding a noon time on-line web based information briefing about the Commercial Cooperative on March 20 at 12:00 NOON. To register to participate in the on-line web based information meeting send an email to Sherrie Becker, pikesvillechamber@verizon.net and Rachel Trager rachel@cqiassociates.com.

The application deadline is Friday, March 27, 2009.

Participation in the Cooperative REQUIRES continuous membership in the Chamber of Commerce during the full term of the Agreement. If your membership is not current with the Chamber, you must bring your account current to participate. Submission of the application for participation in the cooperative does not include fees for membership in the chamber. If your membership is not current the application for cooperative participation will not be processed

The application fee pays for the administrative costs of the energy purchasing cooperative and selecting a licensed energy supplier who is offering to sell electricity supply services at a lower price than the Standard Offer Service Rate offered by the local utility company. Application fees are not refundable.

The cooperative will be monitoring the market and working with numerous licensed energy suppliers over the next 45 to 90 days to select a supplier. The typical contract for is 24 to 36 months. Once a supplier is selected, you will receive a contract offer directly from that energy supplier. Acceptance of the supplier’s contract will ensure budget stability throughout the term of the contract. However, if you do not accept the contract offer you must re-apply.

If you have any questions contact the Chamber.