CUB Help Center

Volatile Energy Prices

Energy prices have been  elevated. CUB Help Center is a one-stop-shop for information and resources. Please also visit CUB’s homepage at CitizensUtilityBoard.org.

Current Prices

ComEd: 10.399¢/kilowatt-hour (kWh) June through September 2026

  • This rate includes the supply price and a transmission charge.
  • Read CUB’s news release. 
  • Note:  A provision in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) has given ComEd customers some relief from the price spike. CEJA created a line item on ComEd bills called the Carbon Free Energy Resource Adjustment (CFERA), which was designed to support carbon-free energy produced by Illinois nuclear power plants. But under a provision pushed by consumer advocates, this adjustment becomes a bill credit when energy prices go above a certain level, like we’re seeing now. Capitol News Illinois reports that CFERA has provided a net benefit to ratepayers exceeding $1.8 billion since 2022.

Ameren: 11.326¢/kWh June through September 2026

  • This rate includes the supply price, a transmission charge and a “supply cost adjustment.”
  • Read CUB’s news release. 

The prices impact the supply section of bills, what you pay for the actual electricity you use. Utilities like ComEd and Ameren do not profit off supply—they pass those costs onto customers with no markup.

 

Why are prices elevated?

Electricity
The price for reserve power—called “capacity”—has skyrocketed because of increased demand sparked by data center growth and poor policy undertaken by the regional power grid operators—PJM Interconnection in ComEd territory and MISO in Ameren territory.  CUB has launched the Consumers for A Better Grid campaign to reform grid policy. 

 

 

If You're Struggling to Afford Your Bills...

If You’re Struggling To Afford Your Bills

  • Keep the lines of communication open with your utility. If you are having trouble affording your electric/gas bills, it is vital that you contact your utility. Ask if you can set up a plan that gives you more time to pay off your bills, ask about energy assistance programs, and inquire about no or low-cost energy efficiency programs the company offers.
  • See if you qualify for energy assistance. CUB has information about  the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and about discount porgrams offered by ComEd, Ameren, Nicor, North Shore and Peoples Gas at its Financial Resources page.
  • Practice energy efficiency. For tips and information about helpful energy efficiency programs, see the “Energy Efficiency and Safety Tips” tab.
  • Consider other money-saving programs.
  • Beware of alternative supplier rip-offs. If a deal seems too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is. Even when utility supply prices are high, your best bet for electricity/gas supply is likely with your utility and not with an alternative supplier. See the “Beware of Alternative Supplier Rip-Offs” tab.
  • Free utility-bill analysis: CUB will review your bills and give you money-saving tips. Click here to request a free utility-bill analysis. (This service also is available in Spanish.) 

Info on Utility-Bill Assistance

Utility-Bill Assistance

Check out these programs that offer financial assistance to eligible customers. They include programs that offer discounts for income-qualified customers of several electric and gas utilities in Illinois. (CUB does not offer financial assistance and does not have an affiliation with or oversight of any of these programs. Please contact those programs directly.)

Your Rights Against Disconnection

Your Rights Against Disconnection

If you receive a disconnection notice, call the company immediately to discuss your options. If you cannot afford your bills, you could be eligible for financial assistance. You may need to enter into a deferred payment arrangement, and in certain circumstances, you may be able to use a medical certificate to postpone disconnection. Do everything you can to prevent disconnection. If you are shut off, you lose all of the rights and protections that exist for active customers.

It’s a myth that the utility can never disconnect your heat in the winter or your electricity in the summer. State regulations do limit disconnections for nonpayment, but the details are complex. Residential accounts deemed to be in compliance with state regulations are safe from disconnection in these circumstances:

  • When the temperature is below 32 degrees or expected to fall below 32 degrees within the next 24-hour period, and disconnection would affect your heat.
  • When the temperature is above 95 degrees or expected to rise above 95 degrees within the next 24-hour period (electricity only).
  • On any day preceding a weekend or holiday when temperatures are expected to meet the above criteria.
  • If it’s between December 1 and March 31 AND if the utility accepted LIHEAP funds on the account after September 1 of that heating season.
  • If it’s between December 1 and March 31 and you have an electric heat account (meaning your primary source of heat is electricity).
  • If it’s between December 1 and March 31 and you are a service member who has just been assigned to duty.

Beware of Alternative Supplier Rip-Offs

Alternative Suppliers

BEWARE of alternative electricity/gas supplier rip-offs. When utility supply prices are high, you may be tempted to go with an alternative supplier.  But the utility is likely your best bet.

  • Alternative suppliers are impacted by the same market conditions that cause utility supply prices to increase.
  • If you consider an offer, read the fine print and be wary of:
    • A low introductory rate that will skyrocket after a short period.
    • Add-on fees that raise the cost of the plan.
    • “Force majeure” contract provisions, in which suppliers charging a relatively low fixed rate are allowed to claim they can no longer honor the contract because of unforeseeable circumstances beyond their control.
  • One possible way to save through electricity choice: See if your community has negotiated a “municipal aggregation” deal. Municipal aggregation is when community leaders negotiate with an alternative supplier in hopes of securing a reasonable electricity price. Savings aren’t guaranteed, but your community may have secured a lower supply rate than your utility.  Confirm the price and find out when the offer expires.
  • Read CUB’s tips and our fact sheets on electricity choice for ComEd and Ameren customers, and gas choice for Nicor and Peoples/North Shore Gas customers. (Ameren Illinois does not have gas choice.)

Efficiency and Safety Tips

Energy Efficiency and Safety Tips

Energy efficiency is never about taking risks to lower your utility bills. It’s always about keeping your home a safe temperature for the season.

  • The U.S. Department of Energy and utilities recommend setting your thermostat at about 76-78 degrees in the summer (a bit higher when you’re asleep or away) and about 68-70 degrees in the winter (a bit lower when you’re asleep or away). Never set the thermostat at a temperature that threatens your health. (NEVER go below 55 degrees, because you could freeze your pipes.)
  • Weatherize doors and windows. If you can’t get to the hardware store right away, put blankets over your windows and use a rolled up towel at the bottom of your door to block out cold or hot air, depending on the season.
  • Maintain your HVAC system. Clean or change filters regularly (every 1-2 months) and get a system performance checkup from an HVAC technician to see where your system may be costing you more money than necessary.
  • Additional Resources:

Free CUB Services/Utility-Bill Analysis

Free CUB Services

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