How to Find the Best Ameren Electricity Rates

Ameren Illinois is a major energy delivery utility that serves approximately 1.2 million electric customers and more than 800,000 natural gas customers. Their expansive service territory covers more than 1,200 communities across central and southern Illinois. While Ameren is responsible for delivering your power, residents and businesses have the power to choose who provides their electricity supply through Energy Choice allowing consumers to shop around and purchase their actual electricity and gas supply from alternative retail suppliers or stick with the utility’s default rates.

Reading Your Ameren Electricity Bill

There are two categories of charges that you’ll find on your Ameren electricity bill – delivery charges and supply charges. Supply charges are what you can take control of when you participate in Energy Choice.

Ameren Delivery Charges

• Charged for the transmission and delivery of electricity
• For the maintenance of electricity infrastructure including poles and lines
• Do not change when you switch electricity providers

Supply Charges

• Charged by your provider for the electricity you use
• Based on your electricity usage (kWh) and supply rate (¢ per kWh)
• Change when you shop for lower electricity rates and switch

Learn more about your Ameren electricity bill, including where to find your account number, the Price to Compare, and more.

Ameren vs. Retail Electricity Providers: What’s the Difference?

In Illinois, the electricity market is deregulated, which means you have the power to choose who supplies your energy. However, it is important to distinguish between your utility and your supplier.

• Ameren (The Utility): Your utility is responsible for the delivery of electricity. They own and maintain the poles, wires, and meters. No matter who you choose as your supplier, Ameren will always deliver the power to your home, respond to outages, and send you your monthly bill.
• Retail Electricity Providers (The Suppliers): Also known as Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers (ARES), these companies purchase electricity on the wholesale market and sell it to you. You can choose to buy your “supply” from one of these companies or stay with Ameren’s default supply rate.

When you switch electricity providers, Ameren will:

• Continue to provide the delivery of electricity to all customers.
• Maintain responsibility for the wires, poles, and all outage restoration.
• Treat all customers equally, regardless of choice of service provider.

How to Compare Rates and Secure a Fixed-Rate Plan

Switching is a seamless process that doesn’t require any new equipment or a technician to visit your home.

1. Find your “Price to Compare”: Look at your latest Ameren bill for the “Price to Compare.” This is the rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) you currently pay for supply.
2. Simplify Your Search with ElectricityRates.com: ElectricityRates.com offers a secure, fast, and simple process designed to streamline your rate comparison experience. We present you with only the best rates from top-rated and trusted electricity suppliers serving Illinois, saving you time and effort in your search for the ideal plan.
3. Receive Confirmation of Plan Selection: After you find the right plan for you, select it, fill out the necessary information, and switch. Your new provider will take over within one to two billing cycles and you do not need to call your utility company.

Types of Electricity Plans in Illinois

When shopping for an electricity plan, you’ll typically encounter three main structures:

• Fixed-Rate Plans: Your price per kWh stays the same for the duration of your contract (e.g., 12 or 24 months). This provides budget stability.
• Variable-Rate Plans: The price can change monthly based on market conditions. These can be risky if energy prices spike.
• Green/Renewable Plans: These plans ensure that a portion (or 100%) of your energy usage is matched with Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from sources like wind or solar.

The Future of Renewable Energy in Illinois

The future renewable energy goals for Illinois are defined by the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), passed in 2021. The most significant long-term target is for Illinois to achieve 100% clean energy in the electricity sector by 2050. This comprehensive goal requires phasing out all carbon emissions from private coal and natural gas power plants by 2045 and includes a series of interim steps to dramatically increase renewable sources.

You don’t have to wait to support green energy. You can sign up for a 100% renewable energy plan in Illinois today. The electricity that comes to your home is the same, however, your energy usage is offset with renewable energy credits purchased by your supplier. These credits ensure that more renewable energy enters the grid.

Community Solar Options in Illinois

Community solar allows multiple participants—including renters, homeowners, and businesses to share the benefits of a single, off-site solar array. These projects are built within your utility’s service territory (such as ComEd or Ameren) and feed clean energy directly into the local grid. The program offers residents and businesses a way to lower electricity bills without the need for rooftop panels. Through state-backed programs like Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA), you can subscribe to a local “solar garden” and receive guaranteed monthly credits.

Why Choose Community Solar in Illinois?

• Guaranteed Savings: Most subscribers see a 10%–20% reduction on the supply portion of their electricity bill.
• No Upfront Costs: Unlike rooftop solar, there is no equipment to buy or install.
• Accessibility: Perfect for renters or those with shaded roofs.
• Support Local Green Energy: Your subscription helps Illinois reach its goal of 100% clean energy.

Leading Illinois Solar Programs

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) oversee the state’s two primary incentive paths:

• Illinois Shines: The primary program for most residential and business customers looking for predictable, long-term savings.
• Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA): A specialized program providing even deeper financial relief (often up to 50% savings) for low- to moderate-income households and non-profit organizations.

Note: For the 2026 program year, the state has expanded capacity to 1,200 MW, meaning more “solar garden” spots are available than ever before.

Enroll in Community Solar in 3 Easy Steps

Community solar providers such as Arcadia Energy and Nexamp act as subscriber managers, connecting residential and business customers to these local solar projects.

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm you are a customer of ComEd or Ameren.

2. Find a Local Project: Use your ZIP code to locate open solar gardens in your area.

3. Start Saving: Once connected, your subscriber manager handles the logistics. You’ll see “Solar Credits” applied directly to your utility bill each month.

Check current availability for community solar projects in your part of Illinois. Enter your ZIP code at the top of this page to see a list of active solar gardens and start your application today.

Ameren Contact Information

• Residential Customer Service Number: 800-755-5000
• Official Website
• Ameren Outage Center