Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Alternative Retail Electric Supplier (ARES)?
An ARES or Supplier is a business that sells electricity to residential and/or commercial
customers in a competitive market. To do business in Illinois, an electric supplier must be
certified by the ICC and complete the utility’s registration process.
Who can choose a different supplier?
All customers of
the Ameren Illinois Utilities and ComEd are eligible to choose to purchase their electricity
supply from an Alternative Retail Electric Supplier (Supplier). Several suppliers are certified
by the ICC and registered in the ComEd and Ameren Illinois Utilities territories. However, those
suppliers may not offer service to residential customers in your area at this time. Please
contact the suppliers directly to find out. For a list of suppliers visit the ICC’s
Supplier List, Ameren’s Choice
website or ComEd’s PowerPath
website.
How do I know if a supplier is offering supply service in my area?
Contact suppliers
listed for the utility service territory you live in. Ask if they have any available offers in your area and if
so what they are.
Do I have to choose a supplier?
No. You may choose to remain with your
electric utility for supply service.
Are there any different rate options even if I currently do not want to
select a different electric supplier?
Yes. The
Ameren Illinois Utilities and
ComEd both offer real time
or hourly pricing options to help residential customers manage their usage better. Hourly prices for electricity
are posted a day ahead so customers can determine the best time to run major appliances for the next day. The
real time pricing option requires a special meter to be installed at your home. Visit the real-time pricing
websites at the links above for more information.
Who do I call if my power goes out?
You continue to call your electric
utility for any and all technical problems. The utility is still responsible for the safe, reliable delivery
of the electricity you purchase, whether you purchase your electricity from the utility or a supplier.
How will I be billed?
It depends on the supplier you choose. You may
receive one bill or two. You may continue to receive one bill from your electric utility that details the
electric supplier’s charges separately. Alternatively, the supplier may issue a single bill detailing the
utility’s transmission and distribution charges separately. Or, you could receive separate bills from your
utility and the supplier. You should ask the supplier when you are shopping what billing method would apply.
Will I save money?
That depends. You will need to contact suppliers
providing service in your area for pricing information and then compare prices, charges and other agreement
terms of the offers.
I’m on a budget payment plan with my utility. Can I continue with this
plan if I enroll with a supplier?
Each supplier is different. Before switching, ask the supplier if
they have programs to meet your payment needs.
If I choose an electric supplier, can I later switch to a different electric
supplier or choose to go back to the utility’s bundled service?
Yes. But you should check the terms of
your agreement for any early termination penalties that may apply.
Who do I call if I have questions about my bill?
If questions relate
to the delivery portion of your bill, you should call your local utility. For questions about the supply
portion of the bill, call the supplier. Your utility and all suppliers have a complaint resolution process.
Numbers for both the utility and supplier can be found on your bill. If you are not satisfied with the outcome,
you may file a complaint with the ICC online or
by calling 1-800-524-0795.