Electric Fact Sheets
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Electric Fact Sheets
Electric Bill Basics
- Note: In 2021, the average electric bill in Illinois was about $96 a month.
- The PJM power grid operator can have a major impact on ComEd bills. Learn more about CUB’s advocacy work at PJM, at ForABetterGrid.org
- Making Sense of Your Electric Bill
- Reading Your Meter
- Utility Check List for Renters
- Understanding Your Budget-Billing Plan
- Maintenance Plans
- Understanding the Illinois Commerce Commission
- The Facts on Municipal and Cooperative Utilities
Choosing Another Supplier
- CUB Facts on Alternative Electric Suppliers (ComEd customers)
- See a list of alternative supplier offers in ComEd territory at PlugIn.Illinois.gov, the state of Illinois’ electric choice resource.
- Infographic: Are you with an alternative supplier? (Spanish version)
- Watch: Are You Overpaying for Electricity with an Alternative Supplier? (ComEd)
- CUB Facts on Alternative Electric Suppliers (Ameren customers)
- See a list of alternative supplier offers in Ameren territory at PlugIn.Illinois.gov, the state of Illinois’ electric choice resource.
- Infographic: Are you with an alternative supplier? (Spanish version)
- Watch: Are You Overpaying for Electricity with an Alternative Supplier? (Ameren)
- Community Power (Municipal Aggregation) Deals (See a list of Municipal Aggregation deals at PlugIn.Illinois.gov, the state of Illinois’ electric choice resource.)
- CUB’s Guide to Renewable Energy Plans (Infographic in English, Spanish and Polish)
- The HEAT Act: a breakdown
Alternative Pricing Programs
- ComEd Customers
- Peak Time Savings
- Hourly Pricing (Infographics in English, Spanish and Polish)
- Central AC Cycling Program
- Ameren Customers
- Peak Time Rewards
- Power Smart Pricing (Infographics in English, Spanish and Polish)
- Interested in Solar?
Energy Efficiency
- CUB’s free Virtual Utility Bill Consultation (This service is also available in Spanish.)
- Home Energy Savings Webinar
- ComEd Energy Efficiency Programs
- Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Programs
- Choosing Energy Efficient Lighting (Infographics in English, Spanish and Polish)
- Smart Thermostats
- The Facts on Energy Reports
- Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program
- Chicago Bungalow Association Energy Savers
- Federal/State Incentives
Need Help Paying Your Utility Bills?
- The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, LIHEAP is designed to help eligible low-income households pay for winter energy service. Read CUB’s fact sheet and our step-by-step blog.
- ComEd Smart Assistance Manager (SAM) and ComEd Payment Assistance: ComEd’s programs provide financial assistance on electric bills for qualified customers.
- Warm Neighbors Cool Friends. This Ameren program provides year-round energy bill payment assistance and home weatherization to make harsh winters and hot summers bearable. Eligible households can receive up to $350 to help pay for energy costs ($350 during the heating season and $200 during the cooling season.)
- Ameren Payment Assistance. Ameren Illinois offers several forms of financial assistance, including short-term, one-time payment extensions and fixed monthly payment agreements to settle past balances.
Electric Guides
- CUB’s Gas & Electric Guide: A handbook for residential gas and electric customers in Illinois: This guide is the result of years of research and writing by CUB staffers who have become experts on state regulations and utility tariffs. From applying for utility service to disconnection of service, this guide offers an in-depth overview of gas and electric utilities in Illinois.
- CUB’s Guide to Going Green: Energy efficiency is good for climate change and your bottom line. In this guide, we lay out our recommendations for making your home more environmentally friendly while lowering your bills.
- Electric Utility Performance: A State-By-State Data Review, Second Edition: This guide examines how all 50 states (& the District of Columbia) rank on three key customer priorities: electric affordability, reliability and environmental responsibility.
- CUB’s Better Heat Guide: Steps to a Cheaper, Cleaner Way to Heat Our Homes in Chicago: This guide was made for Chicago residents who want to explore switching their heat from gas to electricity. (Not from Chicago? Read our statewide guide.)
- CUB’s Electric Vehicle Buyer’s Handbook: This handbook is filled with shopping tips and details about the key questions you need to ask when considering an electric vehicle.
- A Renter’s Utility Guide: Go Green, Cut Costs and Learn Your Rights (en Espanol): This publication is filled with tips on saving energy and info on solar and other green programs for renters, and it lists the details to consider when you’re setting up utility service. Don’t forget: renters have utility rights, too!
- The ABCs of EVs series: CUB’s guides on electric vehicles and transportation electrification: This three-part series describes regulatory considerations and policies to support transportation electrification and discusses ways to quickly and efficiently bring TE benefits to the communities that need them most.
