ComEd Electricity Rates on the Rise in Illinois

Illinois residents served by ComEd are facing impending increases in their electricity bills, driven by a combination of factors impacting both the cost of delivering power and the cost of the electricity itself. While a delivery rate increase took effect in January 2025, a more significant jump in the supply rate is anticipated in June 2025.

The New Rates and When They Take Effect

Two main components of your electricity bill are being impacted: delivery and supply.

• Delivery Rate Increase: Approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), a $606 million increase in delivery rates took effect on January 1, 2025. The exact impact on individual bills varies depending on factors such as the type of residence and heating source. For single-family homes without electric heat, the monthly fixed charge increased from $13.18 to $15.45, and the per-kWh rate rose from 4.981¢ to 6.062¢. Multi-family homes and those with electric heat also saw corresponding increases.
• Supply Rate Increase: A substantial increase in the supply rate is expected starting June 1, 2025. This increase is primarily due to the higher capacity costs mentioned earlier. Preliminary announcements indicate the residential supply rate could see a significant jump of approximately 45% over the current base rate. The preliminary new supply rate is estimated to be around 9.53¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up from the current rate of 6.552¢ per kWh.

How Much Will Electricity Bills Increase?

The overall impact on electricity bills will be a combination of both the delivery and supply rate changes. While the January delivery rate increase added a few dollars to monthly bills, the June supply rate hike is projected to have a more significant effect.

Estimates suggest that the increase in the supply rate alone, effective June 1, 2025, could add approximately $7.50 to $10.00 per month for a residential customer using around 500 kWh of electricity. More recent estimates have indicated an average increase of about $10.50 a month due to the capacity cost spike. It’s important to note that these are estimates, and actual bill impacts will vary based on individual electricity consumption.

Key Factors Contributing to ComEd Rising Costs

• Infrastructure Investment: ComEd is undertaking significant investments in modernizing the power grid to enhance reliability, improve resilience against increasingly severe weather events driven by climate change, and integrate more renewable energy sources. These upgrades are deemed necessary to ensure a stable and efficient energy future.
• Rising Operational Costs: Like many industries, utilities are experiencing increased operating and maintenance costs due to inflationary pressures and other economic factors.
• Clean Energy Transition: Illinois’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) mandates a transition towards cleaner energy sources. This transition requires substantial investment in renewable energy infrastructure and integrating these resources into the existing grid, contributing to overall costs. The act also included provisions to support existing carbon-free nuclear generation facilities.
• Increased Demand and Capacity Costs: A significant driver of the upcoming June 2025 increase in the supply rate is a sharp rise in prices from recent electricity “capacity auctions.” These wholesale capacity markets ensure there is enough power generation available to meet peak demand. Increased demand and other market factors have led to a substantial spike in the cost of securing this capacity.

Resources for ComEd Residents to Curb Rising Costs

Facing higher electricity bills can be challenging, but Illinois residents have several resources and strategies available to help mitigate the impact:

• ComEd Assistance Programs: ComEd offers various financial assistance programs for eligible customers facing difficulty paying their bills. These programs can provide direct financial aid or help manage payment plans. Residents are encouraged to contact ComEd directly to inquire about available options.
• Budget Billing: ComEd’s Budget Billing program can help smooth out seasonal fluctuations in bills by averaging your annual energy costs into predictable monthly payments. This can make it easier to manage your budget, even if overall costs are rising.
• Hourly Pricing Program: For customers who have the flexibility to shift their electricity usage to off-peak hours when prices are lower, ComEd’s voluntary Hourly Pricing program could offer potential savings on the supply portion of their bill.
• Citizens Utility Board (CUB): CUB is an independent consumer advocacy group that provides free information and assistance to Illinois utility customers. They can offer advice on understanding your bill, energy efficiency, and your rights as a consumer. CUB also actively participates in rate cases before the ICC to advocate for consumers.

Alternative Energy Options for ComEd Residents

• Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-saving measures at home is one of the most effective ways to reduce consumption and lower bills. This includes improving insulation, using energy-efficient appliances and lighting (like LEDs), sealing drafts, and adjusting thermostats. Check out our resource on ways to lower your electricity bill for a deep dive into the appliances that eat up the most energy and tips to reduce usage.
• Community Solar: Participating in a community solar program allows residents to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on their own property. Subscribers can receive credits on their electricity bills based on the energy generated by the community solar project.
• Rooftop Solar: For homeowners, installing rooftop solar panels can be a significant investment that can help generate your own electricity and reduce reliance on the utility supply. Various incentives and net metering policies may be available to help offset the initial cost.

How to Take Control of Your Electricity Costs Now!

Shop and enroll in an electricity plan through ElectricityRates.com. Our marketplace allows you to quickly compare offers from multiple providers side-by-side in one place. This simplifies the process of finding different rates and plan options available in your area, helping you make an informed decision without visiting numerous individual supplier websites.

By understanding the reasons behind the rate increases and utilizing the available resources, ComEd customers in Illinois can take steps to manage the impact on their household budgets and work towards a more energy-efficient future.