On Dec. 9, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Sub-Chapter #87 Retirees members and retired seniors met at the Taylorville First United Methodist Church. The meeting was a potluck lunch starting at noon followed by the meeting at 1 p.m. There were 20 people in attendance.
A fried chicken luncheon with lots of side dishes, Linda Curtin’s famous desserts of Peach Pudding and a Texas Cake was enjoyed by everyone. The annual White Elephant gift exchange was a lot of fun.
President David Spinner welcomed everyone to the meeting. Spinner asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. Next, he introduced special guest speaker, Scott “Light Bulb” Allen from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB).
Allen passed out some informational flyers pertaining to a guide for Ameren customers entitled, Electric Competition in Illinois and a Fact Sheet with an introduction to Rooftop Solar.
Allen stated that in the current market, the regulated utility (Ameren) is probably your best choice. He said there are electricity scams out there. People may knock on your door or call you to say they’re from the “electric company” and can lower your bill. Don’t give out your electric bill or account number unless you’re sure you want to sign up for an offer. A dishonest sales representative can use your account number to sign you up without permission.
The brochure explains what your choices are in electricity supply: 1) Ameren, the regulated supplier; 2) An unregulated alternative supplier (also known as an alternative retail electric supplier”’ or (“ARS”), 3) An unregulated supplier chosen by your local government (“municipal aggregation”); or Power Smart Pricing, a special Ameren pricing plan.
Allen went on to explain the introduction to Rooftop Solar. The State of Illinois will buy the SREC payments “Solar Renewable Energy Credits” or SRECs, your system produces. For residential solar, this incentive is an upfront payment determined by how much energy your system is expected to produce over 15 years. It can cover over 30% of the installation cost. Ask your solar installer how much this incentive will cover and how you’ll receive the credit. Ideally, the credit would simply be deducted from your installation bill.
Allen stated that there is Federal Tax Credit which lets you deduct 30% of your solar project costs both your federal taxes is in place through 2032. If 30% of your project costs amount to more than you paid in federal taxes in a single year, the credit will roll over for up to the next 5 years. You must pay federal taxes to benefit.
Allen concluded with some “Net Metering” information; on bright days your solar panels often produce more energy than your home is using at that moment. That excess electricity is sent back to the grid and you’ll receive bill credits in a process called “net metering”. These credits help cover your electricity costs when your panels are not generating power. They also roll over month-to-month and help reduce your bill during less sunny winter months.
The group thoroughly enjoyed the presentation by Scott Allen from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB).
The next Taylorville In-person meeting for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Sub-chapter #87 Retirees will be Monday, March 10, 2025. at 1 p.m. at the Taylorville First United Methodist Church, 200 South Walnut and East Market Street.
The next Hillsboro In-person meeting for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Sub-chapter #87 Retirees is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2025 with a combined luncheon at noon at the Hillsboro Farm Bureau located at 102 North Main Street. Meat and dinnerware will be provided. Bring a dish to share. The meeting will follow at 1 p.m.
The Sub-Chapter welcomes new members or any retired senior who wants to stay informed on state and federal issues.
Please remember to update your information with SERS, IMRF or SURS if you move or have informational changes. This allows you to get important information for taxes, etc. AFSCME and your Sub-chapter president also needs this updated material to keep you updated with relevant information. This includes changes in your email address. You may contact the AFSCME Council 31, David Spinner, Sub-chapter #87 president at 217-324-2018 or email him Bspinner@consolidated.net to register and participate in the AFSCME Retiree Sub-chapter meeting.