CUB Help Center

Alert: June 1 Price Spike

On June 1, 2025, ComEd and Ameren will increase their electricity supply prices by roughly 50 percent. ComEd says this will increase bills by an average of $10.60 a year, or even more, depending on usage. Ameren says it will increase summer electricity bills by 18-22%, depending on usage. CUB’s Help Center has tips on how to deal with the spike.

Why is this happening?

The price for reserve power—called “capacity”—has skyrocketed. That’s largely because of poor policies undertaken by the regional power grid operators—PJM Interconnection in ComEd territory and MISO in Ameren territory.  CUB has been so concerned about increased bills and other consequences of bad policies from the power grid operators that the consumer group launched its Consumers for A Better Grid campaign to push for ongoing reforms.

How is CEJA helping?

A provision that CUB advocated for in the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) will protect ComEd customers from part of the price spike. CEJA created a line item on ComEd bills called the Carbon Free Energy Resource Adjustment (CFERA) to subsidize the energy produced by Illinois nuclear power plants. But this charge becomes a bill credit to protect customers when energy prices go above a certain level. Ameren chose not to have this charge/credit on electric bills.

Financial Resources

Financial Resources

Check out these programs, which offer financial assistance to eligible customers.

Electricity

Gas

Other sources

  • FindHelp.org can help you locate a wide range of assistance programs based on your Zip Code. 
  • Visit Keep Warm Illinois and Keep Cool Illinois for state-level utility bill resources.
  • Charities, such as the Salvation Army  and Catholic Charities, your municipality, and religious institutions may offer assistance for utility bills. 
  • Ask family and friends if they know of organizations providing assistance. 

Note: CUB does not offer financial assistance and does not have an affiliation with or oversight of any of the above-mentioned programs. Please contact those programs directly.

Disconnection Rights

Disconnection Rights

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:

  • 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.

Alternative Suppliers

Alternative Suppliers

BEWARE of alternative electricity/gas supplier rip-offs.

  • Alternative suppliers are impacted by the same market conditions that cause utility supply prices to increase. The utility is likely your best bet.
  • 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. Companies charging a fixed rate, which would presumably protect a customer from a spike in prices, could claim “force majeure.” That’s a legal term to describe a company claiming it can no longer honor a contract because of unforeseeable circumstances beyond its control.
  • One exception: See if your community has negotiated a “municipal aggregation” deal. Municipal aggregation is when community leaders negotiate with an alternative supplier to secure 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 our fact sheets on energy choice for ComEd customers and Ameren customers.

Efficiency and Safety Tips

General Efficiency and Safety Tips

Practice these energy efficiency tips, including:

  • Don’t keep your home too hot to save money– efficiency is about safety and comfort. Read our hot weather safety tips. 
    • The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at about 76-78 degrees in summer (a bit higher when you’re asleep or away) and about 68 degrees in winter (a bit lower when you’re asleep or away). Never set the thermostat at a temperature that threatens your health.
  • Weatherize doors and windows. Energy Star has a great guide for getting started and many Illinois utilities offer rebates for sealing and insulation. 
  • Maintain your HVAC system. Clean or change filters regularly (every 1-2 months during the cooling season) and get a system performance checkup from an HVAC technician to see where your system may be costing you more money than necessary. 
  • Cooling/warming centers are available in state facilities across Illinois. These facilities are places to go to stay safe and comfortable. The centers’  hours vary by location and are limited to each facility’s regular business hours, but Tollway Oasis locations are open 24 hours a day. Find a cooling or warming center.

Additional Resources

See the CUB Services section for more information.

Solar and Efficiency Programs

Solar and Efficiency Programs

Solar Programs 

Utility Efficiency Programs

Other Resources

CUB Services/Free Utility Bill Analysis

CUB Resources

  • Use CUB’s toll-free Consumer Hotline and online complaint system: If you have a complaint or question about your utility service, and you’re getting nowhere with the utility, call CUB, 1-800-669-5556, to talk to an expert 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or file a complaint online.
  • Free utility-bill analysis: Email photos or copies of your bills to [email protected]. A staffer will review your bills and follow up with you. (This service also available in Spanish.) 
  • Attend a CUB event.
  • Have CUB hold a presentation: If your community group is interested in such a program, please call CUB at 1-800-669-5556.

Sign up for Email Alerts

Sign up for Email Alerts