{"id":32411,"date":"2021-09-16T10:18:12","date_gmt":"2021-09-16T15:18:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/welcome-cubs-help-center-copy-3\/"},"modified":"2025-10-01T05:40:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T10:40:27","slug":"welcome-cubs-help-center","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/welcome-cubs-help-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome to CUB Help Center"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;CUB Help Center&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:28|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Volatile Electricity Prices&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left|color:%23e24444&#8243; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]Electricity prices for ComEd and Ameren spiked over the summer. Ameren&#8217;s price has dropped significantly, as of Oct. 1. ComEd&#8217;s price is still elevated.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>ComEd<\/strong>: <strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">9.689\u00a2\/kilowatt-hour (kWh) <span style=\"color: #000000;\">October 2025 through May 2026<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>This rate includes the supply price and a transmission charge.<\/li>\n<li>ComEd estimates the spike will increase bills by an average of 10-15%, or about $10.60 a month. (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Note:<\/strong><\/span> This is an estimated average for June 2025 through May 2026. The impact can be much higher, depending on your usage.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>Ameren: <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">8.402\u00a2\/kWh <span style=\"color: #000000;\">for up to 800 kWh of usage;<\/span> 7.483\u00a2\/kWh <span style=\"color: #000000;\">for usage beyond 800 kWh October 2025 through May 2026<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>This rate includes the supply price, a transmission charge and a \u201csupply cost adjustment.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>The 8.402<span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a2\/kWh price above is 31 percent below the summer price.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The prices impact the supply section of bills, which makes up about a half to two-thirds of total bills. ComEd and Ameren don&#8217;t profit off supply\u2014they pass those costs onto customers with no markup. Read why the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2025\/05\/09\/cub-qa-capacity-price-spike-means-comed-supply-price-will-shoot-up-june-2025\/\"><strong>ComEd<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2025\/05\/23\/cub-qa-why-is-amerens-electricity-price-spiking\/\"><strong>Ameren <\/strong><\/a>prices have been so volatile this year.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tour color=&#8221;sky&#8221; active_section=&#8221;1&#8243;][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Why is this happening?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1744316808463-900554cf-919b&#8221;][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The price for reserve power\u2014called \u201ccapacity\u201d\u2014can be volatile. Increased demand sparked by data center growth is a factor, as is poor policy undertaken by the regional power grid operators\u2014<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2024\/08\/12\/cub-qa-capacity-price-spike-means-comed-supply-price-will-shoot-up-june-2025\/\">PJM Interconnection in ComEd territory<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2025\/05\/23\/cub-qa-why-is-amerens-electricity-price-spiking\/\">MISO in Ameren territory<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CUB has been so concerned about increased bills and other consequences of bad policies from the grid operators that the consumer group launched its <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forabettergrid.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumers for A Better Grid campaign<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to push for ongoing reforms. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;How is CEJA helping?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1744316811818-8e7b0987-6f5a&#8221;][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A provision that CUB advocated for in the 2021 <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Climate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) will protect ComEd customers from part of the price spike. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CEJA created a line item on ComEd bills called the Carbon Free Energy Resource Adjustment (CFERA) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to subsidize the energy produced by Illinois nuclear power plants. But this charge becomes a bill credit to protect customers when energy prices go above a certain level. Ameren chose not to have this charge\/credit on electric bills.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Financial Resources&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1631808824595-221d5d8c-1898&#8243;][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Financial Resources<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Check out these programs, which offer financial assistance to eligible customers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Electricity<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.comed.com\/assistance\/landing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ComEd Smart Assistance Manager (SAM)<\/a> <\/strong>and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.comed.com\/MyAccount\/CustomerSupport\/Pages\/AssistancePrograms.aspx\">ComEd Payment Assistance<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"bluebold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ameren.com\/illinois\/csc\/payments-and-assistance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ameren Payment<\/a><\/strong><a class=\"bluebold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ameren.com\/illinois\/csc\/payments-and-assistance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong> Assistance<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.illinoissfa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Read about a state-run program<\/strong><\/a> that makes solar more accessible for income-eligible residents. Also, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/ilsfa\/\"><strong>CUB&#8217;s Guide to this program. <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Gas<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplesgasdelivery.com\/payment-bill\/share-warmth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Share the Warmth (Pe<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplesgasdelivery.com\/payment-bill\/share-warmth\">oples<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peoplesgasdelivery.com\/payment-bill\/share-warmth\"><strong> Gas)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northshoregasdelivery.com\/payment-bill\/share-warmth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Share the Warmth (North Sh<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northshoregasdelivery.com\/payment-bill\/share-warmth\">or<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northshoregasdelivery.com\/payment-bill\/share-warmth\">e<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northshoregasdelivery.com\/payment-bill\/share-warmth\"><strong> Gas)<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nicorgas.com\/residential\/billingandpaymentoptions\/energy-assistance-programs\/sharing-program.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nicor Gas Sharing Program<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a class=\"bluebold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ameren.com\/illinois\/csc\/payments-and-assistance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ameren Payment<\/a><\/strong><a class=\"bluebold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ameren.com\/illinois\/csc\/payments-and-assistance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><strong> Assistance<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Other sources<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findhelp.org\/\">FindHelp.org<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you locate a wide range of assistance programs based on your Zip Code.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/keepwarm.illinois.gov\/state-assistance\/families-and-individuals.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Keep Warm Illinois<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/keepcool.illinois.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Keep Cool Illinois<\/a><\/strong> for state-level utility bill resources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Charities, such as the <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.salvationarmyusa.org\/usn\/\">Salvation Army<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 and\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.catholiccharitiesusa.org\/find-help\/\">Catholic Charities<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; your municipality; and religious institutions <\/span>may o<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ffer assistance for utility bills.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask family and friends if they know of organizations providing assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>See the Illinois Commerce Commission&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/icc.illinois.gov\/api\/web-management\/documents\/downloads\/public\/Public%20Utility%20Service%20Flyer.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Consumer Assistance on Public Utility Service Services resource<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Note:\u00a0<\/strong>CUB does not offer financial assistance and does not have an affiliation with or oversight of any of the above-mentioned programs. Please contact those programs directly.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Disconnection Rights&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1631890320110-6385538d-6d59&#8243;][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Disconnection Rights<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you receive a disconnection notice, call the company immediately to discuss your options. If you cannot afford your bills, you could be eligible for financial assistance. You may need to enter into a deferred payment arrangement, and in certain circumstances, you may be able to use a medical certificate to postpone disconnection. Do everything you can to prevent disconnection. If you are shut off, you lose all of the rights and protections that exist for active customers.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a myth that the utility can never disconnect your heat in the winter or your electricity in the summer. State regulations do limit disconnections for nonpayment, but the details are complex. <strong>Residential accounts deemed to be in compliance with state regulations are safe from disconnection in these circumstances:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>When the temperature is below 32 degrees or expected to fall below 32 degrees within the next 24-hour period, and disconnection would affect your heat.<\/li>\n<li>When the temperature is above 95 degrees or expected to rise above 95 degrees within the next 24-hour period (electricity only).<\/li>\n<li>On any day preceding a weekend or holiday when temperatures are expected to meet the above criteria.<\/li>\n<li>If it\u2019s between December 1 and March 31 AND if the utility accepted LIHEAP funds on the account after September 1 of that heating season.<\/li>\n<li>If it\u2019s between December 1 and March 31 and you have an electric heat account (meaning your primary source of heat is electricity).<\/li>\n<li>If it\u2019s between December 1 and March 31 and you are a service member who has just been assigned to duty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Alternative Suppliers&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1633353356594-bbc3e136-f54d&#8221;][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Alternative Suppliers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>BEWARE<\/strong><\/span> of alternative electricity\/gas supplier rip-offs.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Alternative suppliers are impacted by the same market conditions that cause utility supply prices to increase. <strong>The utility is likely your best bet.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>If you consider an offer, read the fine print and be wary of:\n<ul>\n<li>A low introductory rate that will skyrocket after a short period.<\/li>\n<li>Add-on fees that raise the cost of the plan.<\/li>\n<li>Force majeure. Companies charging a fixed rate, which would presumably protect a customer from a spike in prices, could claim \u201cforce majeure.\u201d That\u2019s a legal term to describe a company claiming it can no longer honor a contract because of unforeseeable circumstances beyond its control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>One possible exception:<\/strong> See if your community has negotiated a &#8220;municipal aggregation&#8221; deal. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/electric_municipalaggregation\/\"><strong>Municipal aggregation<\/strong><\/a> is when community leaders negotiate with an alternative supplier in hopes of securing a reasonable electricity price. <strong>Savings aren&#8217;t guaranteed<\/strong>, but your community may have secured a lower supply rate than your utility.\u00a0 Confirm the price and find out when the offer expires.<\/li>\n<li>Read our fact sheets on energy choice for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/electriccompetitioncomed\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>ComEd<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0customers and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/electriccompetitionameren\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ameren<\/a><\/strong> customers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Efficiency and Safety Tips&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1631808864016-e98df313-68a7&#8243;][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>General Efficiency and Safety Tips<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Practice <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/20210406_YearRoundEnergySavingTips.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">energy efficiency tips<\/a><\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Don\u2019t keep your home too hot to save money<\/strong>\u2013 efficiency is about safety and comfort. Read our <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2022\/06\/08\/beat-the-heat-with-summer-safety-tips\/\">hot weather safety<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2024\/05\/07\/tips-for-fighting-high-summer-bills-2\/\"><strong>summer efficiency<\/strong><\/a> tips.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at about 76-78 degrees in summer (a bit higher when you\u2019re asleep or away) and about 68 degrees in winter (a bit lower when you\u2019re asleep or away). Never set the thermostat at a temperature that threatens your health.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2021\/10\/15\/winter-preparedness-weatherstripping\/\">Weatherize<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong> doors and windows<\/strong>. <\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/campaign\/seal_insulate\/identify_problems_you_want_fix\/diy_checks_inspections\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Energy Star<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has a great guide for getting started and many Illinois utilities offer rebates for sealing and insulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Maintain your HVAC system.<\/strong> Clean or change filters regularly (every 1-2 months during the cooling season) and get a system performance checkup from an HVAC technician to see where your system may be costing you more money than necessary.\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An energy-efficient air conditioner can save <\/span><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/central-air-conditioning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">20-40%<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of your energy costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have central air, schedule your yearly check-up with the HVAC technician. (Here\u2019s an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov\/energysaver\/maintaining-your-air-conditioner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>AC maintenance guide from the Department of Energy<\/strong><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cooling\/warming centers are available in state facilities across Illinois. These facilities are places to go to stay safe and comfortable. The centers\u2019\u00a0 hours vary by location and are limited to each facility\u2019s regular business hours, but Tollway Oasis locations are open 24 hours a day. Find a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/keepcool.aem-int.illinois.gov\/cooling-centers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>cooling<\/strong><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <a href=\"https:\/\/keepwarm.illinois.gov\/warming-centers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>warming<\/strong><\/a><\/span> center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Additional Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2024\/05\/07\/tips-for-fighting-high-summer-bills-2\/\"><strong>Tips for fighting high summer electric bills<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/20210406_YearRoundEnergySavingTips.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Year-round Energy Saving Tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2022\/06\/08\/beat-the-heat-with-summer-safety-tips\/\"><strong>Beat the Heat with Summer Safety Tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/clean-energy\/\">CUB&#8217;s Clean Energy page<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/OnlineGasElectricGuide.pdf?eType=EmailConfirmation&amp;eId=134a823d-1dcd-43c7-b8d8-168ae099ff4c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gas and Electric Guide: A Handbook for Gas and Electric Customers in Illinois<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.everyaction.com\/mAEjQlKl1k-2UfFdwSlQDQ2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CUB\u2019s Renter\u2019s Guide<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/blog\/2022\/06\/08\/power-outage-tips-from-cub-2\/\">Power outage tips<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>See the CUB Services section for more information.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Solar and Efficiency Programs&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1631807138808-10788cdc-6387&#8243;][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Solar and Efficiency Programs<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Solar Programs\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Illinois&#8217; Community Solar<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> program allows consumers to enjoy savings and other solar power benefits without having to install panels at their homes. Visit <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/solar-in-the-community\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>SolarInTheCommunity.com<\/strong><\/span><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for more information from CUB.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/switchtogether.com\/en\/solar\/chicagoland\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Switch Together<\/b><\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a CUB-promoted program that allows participants to install solar panels at a discount. (Also, r<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ead <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/secure.everyaction.com\/WF_rPYivQkyuMZDSnEWjSg2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CUB\u2019s Guide to Solar<\/a><\/strong> to learn more about your solar energy options in the state of Illinois.)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/ilsfa\/\"><strong>Read about a state-run, income-eligible solar program<\/strong><\/a> that CUB helps promote.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Utility Efficiency Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/energy-efficiency-programs-comed-customers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ComEd Energy Efficiency Programs<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/ee_amerenincentives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Ameren Illinois Efficiency Programs<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/nicor-ee-programs-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Nicor Gas Efficiency Programs<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/northshore-ee-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>North Shore Gas Efficiency Programs<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/peoples-ee-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Peoples Gas Efficiency Programs<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Other Resources <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/illinois-home-weatherization-assistance-program-ihwap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/historic-chicago-bungalow-associations-energy-savers-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Chicago Bungalow Association Energy Savers Program<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/ee_federalstateincentives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal\/State Energy Efficiency Incentives<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;CUB Services\/Free Utility Bill Analysis&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1631808902515-781eafb4-08e3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>CUB Resources<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Use CUB\u2019s toll-free Consumer Hotline and online complaint system:<\/strong> If you have a complaint or question about your utility service, and you&#8217;re getting nowhere with the utility, call CUB, <strong>1-800-669-5556<\/strong>, to talk to an expert 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or file a<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/complaintform\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/complaint-form\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1620319976651000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH5R1KnZhWJe0Dzzc2PjzEzD7SzZw\">complaint online<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Free utility-bill analysis:<\/strong> Email photos or copies of your bills to <\/span><b>UBC@citizensutilityboard.org<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A staffer will review your bills and follow up with you. (This service also is available in Spanish.)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Attend a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/calendar\/\"><strong>CUB event<\/strong><\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Have CUB hold a presentation:<\/strong> If your community group is interested in such a service, please call CUB at <strong>1-800-669-5556<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tour][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243; offset=&#8221;vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Sign up for Email Alerts&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]<script type='text\/javascript' src='https:\/\/static.everyaction.com\/ea-actiontag\/at.js' crossorigin='anonymous'><\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"ngp-form\" data-form-url=\"https:\/\/secure.everyaction.com\/v1\/Forms\/hznc2ZO-50a2tfTsLNSGCQ2\" data-custom-css=\"https:\/\/nvlupin.blob.core.windows.net\/designs\/CustomStylesheet_1e52b0ad2f831fec7a1c8305f1c28bf21c5f0a5520866bcf2b47cb0ed443ae59.css\" data-fastaction-endpoint=\"https:\/\/fastaction.ngpvan.com\" data-inline-errors=\"true\" data-fastaction-nologin=\"true\" data-databag-endpoint=\"https:\/\/profile.ngpvan.com\" data-databag=\"everybody\" data-mobile-autofocus=\"false\"><\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column offset=&#8221;vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md&#8221;][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Sign up for Email Alerts&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]<script type='text\/javascript' src='https:\/\/static.everyaction.com\/ea-actiontag\/at.js' crossorigin='anonymous'><\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"ngp-form\" data-form-url=\"https:\/\/secure.everyaction.com\/v1\/Forms\/hznc2ZO-50a2tfTsLNSGCQ2\" data-custom-css=\"https:\/\/nvlupin.blob.core.windows.net\/designs\/CustomStylesheet_1e52b0ad2f831fec7a1c8305f1c28bf21c5f0a5520866bcf2b47cb0ed443ae59.css\" data-fastaction-endpoint=\"https:\/\/fastaction.ngpvan.com\" data-inline-errors=\"true\" data-fastaction-nologin=\"true\" data-databag-endpoint=\"https:\/\/profile.ngpvan.com\" data-databag=\"everybody\" data-mobile-autofocus=\"false\"><\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;5\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column][\/vc_column]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;CUB Help Center&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:28|text_align:left&#8221; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=&#8221;Volatile Electricity Prices&#8221; font_container=&#8221;tag:h2|font_size:24|text_align:left|color:%23e24444&#8243; use_theme_fonts=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_text]Electricity prices for ComEd and Ameren spiked over the summer. Ameren&#8217;s price has dropped significantly, as of Oct. 1. ComEd&#8217;s price is still elevated. ComEd: 9.689\u00a2\/kilowatt-hour (kWh) October 2025 through May 2026 This rate includes the supply price and a transmission charge. ComEd estimates the spike will increase bills by an average of 10-15%, or about $10.60 a month. (Note: This is an estimated average for June 2025 through May 2026. The impact can be much higher, depending on your usage.) Ameren: 8.402\u00a2\/kWh for up to 800 kWh of usage; 7.483\u00a2\/kWh for usage beyond 800 kWh October 2025 through May 2026 This rate includes the supply price, a transmission charge and a \u201csupply cost adjustment.\u201d The 8.402\u00a2\/kWh price above is 31 percent below the summer price.\u00a0 The prices impact the supply section of bills, which makes up about a half to two-thirds of total bills. ComEd and Ameren don&#8217;t profit off supply\u2014they pass those costs onto customers with no markup. Read why the ComEd and Ameren prices have been so volatile this year.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_tour color=&#8221;sky&#8221; active_section=&#8221;1&#8243;][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Why is this happening?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1744316808463-900554cf-919b&#8221;][vc_column_text]The price for reserve power\u2014called \u201ccapacity\u201d\u2014can be volatile. Increased demand sparked by data center growth is a factor, as is poor policy undertaken by the regional power grid operators\u2014PJM Interconnection in ComEd territory and MISO in Ameren territory.\u00a0 CUB has been so concerned about increased bills and other consequences of bad policies from the grid operators that the consumer group launched its Consumers for A Better Grid campaign to push for ongoing reforms. [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;How is CEJA helping?&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1744316811818-8e7b0987-6f5a&#8221;][vc_column_text]A provision that CUB advocated for in the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) will protect ComEd customers from part of the price spike. CEJA created a line item on ComEd bills called the Carbon Free Energy Resource Adjustment (CFERA) to subsidize the energy produced by Illinois nuclear power plants. But this charge becomes a bill credit to protect customers when energy prices go above a certain level. Ameren chose not to have this charge\/credit on electric bills.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Financial Resources&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1631808824595-221d5d8c-1898&#8243;][vc_column_text]Financial Resources Check out these programs, which offer financial assistance to eligible customers. Electricity ComEd Smart Assistance Manager (SAM) and ComEd Payment Assistance Ameren Payment Assistance Read about a state-run program that makes solar more accessible for income-eligible residents. Also, see CUB&#8217;s Guide to this program. Gas Share the Warmth (Peoples Gas) Share the Warmth (North Shore Gas) Nicor Gas Sharing Program Ameren Payment Assistance Other sources FindHelp.org can help you locate a wide range of assistance programs based on your Zip Code.\u00a0 Visit Keep Warm Illinois and Keep Cool Illinois for state-level utility bill resources. Charities, such as the Salvation Army\u00a0 and\u00a0Catholic Charities; your municipality; and religious institutions may offer assistance for utility bills.\u00a0 Ask family and friends if they know of organizations providing assistance.\u00a0 See the Illinois Commerce Commission&#8217;s\u00a0Consumer Assistance on Public Utility Service Services resource. Note:\u00a0CUB does not offer financial assistance and does not have an affiliation with or oversight of any of the above-mentioned programs. Please contact those programs directly.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Disconnection Rights&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1631890320110-6385538d-6d59&#8243;][vc_column_text]Disconnection Rights If you receive a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-32411","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32411","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32411"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32411\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43783,"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/32411\/revisions\/43783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.citizensutilityboard.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32411"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}