A new study found that Illinois households served by Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois have lost more than $2.3 billion since 2015 by switching to "alternative" electricity suppliers instead of sticking with utility default rates, according to My Stateline.
The Citizens Utility Board analysis estimates that, in the last year alone, customers may have lost roughly $206 million combined.
Here's what to know
State law allows customers to choose different suppliers, but those companies often market savings, renewable plans, or introductory offers. CUB found many households ended up paying more than the utilities' standard supply rates.
"CUB's review of these statistics shows once again that going with an alternative electricity supplier is a gamble. Consumers should beware of bad deals," Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said in a statement. "As the losses mount, we urge the Illinois General Assembly to pass reforms to better protect Illinois consumers from rip-offs."
Third-party supply remained widespread as of May, with nearly 1.14 million Illinois households enrolled. That included roughly one in five residential ComEd customers and two in five Ameren customers.
On average, customers using alternative suppliers were paying more per kilowatt-hour than those on utility default service — about 1.28 cents more in ComEd territory and roughly 3.05 cents more in Ameren territory.
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Customers who signed up through promotional offers may face a higher price after a low introductory rate, and that added charge may continue unless they review the supply portion of the bill.
Where can I learn more?
Illinois shoppers comparing supplier offers can also see how green power plans, market design, and policy changes play out elsewhere. These stories show that whether households save money often comes down to pricing details and market rules.
• Some green energy shoppers have found solar and wind plans at prices close to standard power.
• In California, an unorthodox power market helped push utility bills down as renewables surged.
• Across Australia, policy shifts could bring the first bill drop in years for millions of households.
The broader takeaway is familiar for Illinois customers: supplier choices and market rules can swing monthly bills up or down. Understanding those details can make it easier to tell whether an offer is likely to save money.
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