Power Bills Set To Rise in Illinois

ILLINOIS — Ameren Illinois customers are being warned to expect higher electric supply costs beginning June 1, as summer demand pushes electricity prices upward across the utility’s service territory.

The increase affects the supply charge — the part of the bill tied to the cost of generating the electricity a customer uses. Ameren Illinois says that rate will move from 8.769 cents per kilowatt-hour to about 11 cents per kilowatt-hour. That does not include delivery charges or other bill components, and customers who are part of municipal aggregation programs may see a different supplier and price listed on their bill.

The increase comes as warmer weather drives heavier air conditioning use. A kilowatt-hour represents 1,000 watts of electricity used for one hour, and air conditioners can use a kilowatt-hour every 15 to 30 minutes while running. Using the U.S. average residential usage figure of about 899 kilowatt-hours per month, the supply-rate change alone could add roughly $20 to a monthly bill before other factors are considered.

Ameren Illinois says it does not control or profit from electricity market prices. The utility says the summer price remains high because of a shortage of available electricity during peak-demand periods, especially on hot days when home energy use rises sharply.

Customers are encouraged to check the electric supply portion of their bill to see whether they are buying power directly through Ameren Illinois or through another supplier. Communities with municipal aggregation programs may have contracted rates that differ from Ameren’s summer supply price.

Ameren Illinois says customers who need help can seek information on bill assistance programs, payment grants, and flexible payment arrangements through the utility’s seasonal relief resources.