The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has reported that since 2015, Illinois consumers have lost $1.8 billion by choosing alternative electricity suppliers instead of their traditional utilities, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and Ameren Illinois. Just in the past year, these losses totaled $297 million.
Customers who switched paid significantly higher rates—up to 3 cents more per kilowatt-hour for ComEd customers and 2.4 cents more for Ameren customers.
CUB’s review shows that while alternative suppliers initially offered savings due to high utility contract costs, they have since struggled to provide competitive rates. This has led to poor results for consumers.
CUB is now warning Illinois residents to carefully check their electric bills, particularly the “Supply” section, to see if they are with an alternative supplier.
The group advises against high-pressure sales tactics from these suppliers and suggests exploring other cost-saving options. These include utility-run energy efficiency programs, demand-response programs like ComEd Peak Time Savings, and solar energy solutions.
Generally, sticking with the utility’s standard supply rate is often the most cost-effective choice for consumers.