A new season means new electric rates. That’s why we’ve updated our free calculator to reflect fall electric prices coming to Illinois.
The CUB Power Calculator—a tool that shows how your utility’s supply rates stack up against an alternative supplier’s plan— can now provide a price comparison through May 2016.
The calculator uses an estimate of the fall prices, given by state regulators. The final rates for October 2015 through May 2016 are not yet known.
At the moment, both utilities’ rates are expected to increase. (New rates are in bold)
ComEd
| June 2015 through September 2015 | October 2015 through May 2016 |
| 7.033 cents per kWh | 7.173 cents per kWh |
Ameren
| June 2015 through September 2015 | October 2015 through May 2016 |
| Rate Zone 1: 5.974¢/kWh | Rate Zone 1: 6.219¢/kWh |
| Rate Zone 2: 5.911¢/kWh | Rate Zone 2: 6.156¢/kWh |
| Rate Zone 3: 5.966¢/kWh | Rate Zone 3: 6.211¢/kWh |
While the rates will change, the tool still takes only a few steps to operate.
All you have to do is enter the alternative supply rate you wish to compare to the utility’s price, any extra monthly fees the supplier charges, and your estimated electricity usage from June 2015 to May 2016. (Find electric supply offers using CUB’s ComEd or Ameren fact sheets.)
After you complete those steps, the calculator will then determine whether you’ll save money with the utility or the alternative supplier. (The calculator only applies to the supply portion of your bill, so you’ll still be responsible for paying a delivery charge to ComEd or Ameren.)
Based on your results, you can determine if you want to switch to an alternative supplier or stay with the utility. But remember, it can take up to two months to complete a change, so a hot deal now may not be so hot in the future!
Looking for more ways to save? Check out other CUB services.
