ROCHELLE — Rochelle businesses are earning payments by cutting electricity use during peak demand through a demand response program managed by CPower Energy and Rochelle Municipal Utilities. Since 2021, 10 local participants have received more than $302,000. The program runs year-round and rewards companies for reducing power during high-demand events. Electricity prices for 2026–2027 are projected to jump, making participation more valuable.
Blake Toliver, Superintendent of Electric Operations and Generation with Rochelle Municipal Utilities, noted that Rochelle customers are insulated from these price fluctuations.
“ So we just passed our cost of service study at the last council meeting and, the way it’s looking right now, it should not affect our customers because the way our rates are designed, they’re designed to protect the utility from these volatilities in the market,” he said.