After a hot, expensive summer, Ameren Illinois’ new price for electricity has dropped by more than 30 percent as of Oct. 1, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said in a consumer alert Wednesday.
The watchdog urged consumers to review the “Electric Supply” section of their bills to confirm they are not overpaying with an expensive alternative supplier offer, including supplier offers negotiated by local governments.
Ameren’s new non-summer power price (from October 2025 through May 2026):
- 8.402¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for up to 800 kWh of usage. (Appears as 0.08402 on your bill.)
- 7.483¢ per kWh for electricity usage beyond 800 kWh. (Appears as 0.07483 on your bill.)
- The prices above include the supply price + a transmission charge + a supply cost adjustment.
The fall supply price of 8.402¢ per kWh (for the first 800 kWh of usage) represents a 31 percent reduction from the utility’s summer supply price of 12.18¢ per kWh, and is around what Ameren’s supply price was before the summer spike.
“CUB is relieved that Ameren’s price has dropped significantly,” CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said. “But we remain deeply concerned that far too many people could be paying much higher prices because they are with an alternative supplier—and that includes people on their community’s ‘municipal aggregation’ offer. Please check the supply section of your bills to see if you’re paying a higher rate with a company other than Ameren.”
Consumers can choose to stay with Ameren Illinois for supply or go with an alternative supplier. Among the choices in the market, many communities have “municipal aggregation” offers that local leaders have negotiated with an alternative supplier.
Moskowitz stressed: It is likely Ameren is your best bet for electricity supply. A recent CUB review of state electricity choice reports revealed that Illinois consumers have lost more than $2 billion to alternative electricity suppliers over the last decade.
If you go with an alternative supplier, you still get a bill from Ameren, with the alternative supplier charges included. To see if you’re with another supplier, look in two places on Ameren bills: “Electric Supply” and “Details From Your Electric Supplier.” If a company other than Ameren Illinois is listed, you are with an alternative supplier.
In the “Electric Supply” section, you should be able to see the per kWh price you’re paying with that supplier. See how it compares with the Ameren supply price CUB lists above. If you want to end the offer, call the alternative supplier using the phone number for the company that is listed in the “Details From Your Electric Supplier” section. It can take up to two months to switch back to your utility.
If you think you were fraudulently signed up, tell the supplier you want a refund. If you don’t like the supplier’s response, file a complaint with CUB, at 1-800-669-5556. Additional information and tips are below.
What part of the bill is impacted by this change?
Supply, which is the cost of the actual electricity. This makes up about a half to two-thirds of bills. Ameren does not profit off these charges: Under law it is required to pass supply costs onto customers with no markup. (Ameren does profit off another part of the bill: “Delivery.” The utility is trying to raise those delivery charges by $60.6 million by the end of the year in a case before the Illinois Commerce Commission.)
Why did Ameren’s supply price spike over the summer?
Ameren’s summer power price shot up by about 50 percent, compared with the previous summer’s price. That’s because the price for reserve power—called “capacity”—skyrocketed in an auction run by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional grid operator for all or parts of 15 states, including Ameren Illinois’ territory in central and southern Illinois. While increased power demand sparked by data centers is a factor, CUB says the main reason for the spike was policy shortcomings at MISO, including a new pricing methodology that CUB said unfairly compromised affordability.
Moskowitz said there is an urgent need for reforms at regional power grid operators, but also for Illinois to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act in the General Assembly’s Fall Veto Session. The CRGA Act is comprehensive energy legislation that would expand energy efficiency programs and bring more battery storage to the grid, which are essential to reducing power prices.
If consumers are struggling to afford their bills, what are their options?
- Learn about energy assistance. Certain income-qualified consumers can apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning Oct. 1, and all other income-qualified consumers can apply Nov. 1. To learn more about LIHEAP and if you qualify, visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com or call the assistance line at 1-833-711-0374.
- Practice energy efficiency. Simple things like weatherizing windows and doors can help make utility bills more affordable. Don’t take risks that keep your home too hot or too cold. Efficiency is about eliminating waste but keeping your home safe in any weather.
- Stay in contact with Ameren. People struggling to pay bills should call Ameren (1-800-755-5000) to inquire about energy efficiency programs as well as payment options that give them a longer time to pay off debt.
- If you’re interested in solar power, consider the next steps. Learn more about rooftop solar. Also, CUB has information about income-qualified solar programs. If solar panels aren’t possible, consider a community solar deal to help ease costs. Currently, community solar offers guarantee savings compared to the utility’s supply price. But be a careful shopper: Get more information at CUB’s special website, SolarInTheCommunity.com.
For more information about electricity prices, visit CUBHelpCenter.com.
