Illinois Commerce Commission - Consumer Information

Electric Rate Information

The General Assembly recently passed and Governor Blagojevich signed into law, PA 95-0481, an electric rate relief plan that will provide $1 billion in rate relief to residential and certain non-residential customers of ComEd and Ameren utilities beginning this year. Refunds or credits will be applied to customer accounts starting in September and October and continuing, although decreasing each year through 2009 as the program is phased out. The Act also creates the Illinois Power Agency that will arrange for the purchase of wholesale power to serve utility customers beginning in 2009.

How much of a refund will I receive?

That depends how much electricity you use each month. The minimum rebate check is about $85 for Ameren customers, however, the more electricity used in the past year, the greater the rebate which is calculated on electricity usage in the past year. Customers of AmerenIP, AmerenCILCO and AmerenCIPS may locate the exact amount of rebate or credit at www.ameren.com. An account number is necessary to access this personal information. ComEd will offer rate relief through bill credits. Customers may contact 1-800-Edison1 (1-800-334-7661) for information about the refunds or credits. Former customers who apply for a rebate before December 1, 2007, will receive a check.

When can I expect my refunds/credits to begin?

Ameren companies will begin to make refunds beginning in September, 2007. ComEd will apply credits beginning in October, 2007.

Are additional assistance programs available?

Ameren and ComEd each have set up targeted assistance programs. Bill paying assistance programs, residential special hardship programs and non-residential special hardship programs are available. Contact your local LIHEAP administrative agency administrator, Ameren at www.ameren.com, or ComEd at www.ComedCARE.com.

Can I choose an alternative supplier?

The law allows residential and business or commercial customers to select an Alternative Retail Electric Supplier. First, contact the company to ensure it is offering service to customers; check and compare the terms of service before making a final decision; Residential customers may explore other ways to cut electric expenses through energy efficiency measures. You might prefer real-time pricing electric service, which provides day ahead information on electricity prices, allowing you to adjust usage to take advantage of less expensive electricity prices at certain times of the day.

What is real-time pricing?

Customers who choose real-time pricing services, sometimes called hourly pricing, pay the price for electricity established in the wholesale market each hour during the year, instead of the fixed rate established through the energy procurement process. When prices are relatively high, customers may want to take measures to curtail electricity consumption, such as running an air conditioner less often or washing clothes in the evening or on weekends. Customers who participate in real time pricing programs will need a new electric meter, which the utility will install. The cost for the meter is estimated to be about $2.25 more each month on a bill. For information on real time pricing, ComEd customers may contact www.theWattSpot.com and Ameren customers may contact www.powersmartpricing.org.

How will utilities buy power in the future?

ComEd and the Ameren companies participated in a 'reverse' auction in September 2006 to purchase wholesale electric power to supply their customers. In August, 2007, a new law established the Illinois Power Agency to buy wholesale power for electric energy consumers. The power agency will procure electricity for delivery to customers in 2009 and beyond.