Frequently Asked Questions
Ameren Illinois Electric Supply Rate Increase: Frequently Asked Questions
In April of 2025, Ameren Illinois received electric supply rate results from the regional grid operator (MISO), which include an increase from $30/megawatt to $666/megawatt and will now cause Ameren electric supply rates to increase beginning June 1.
Beginning June 1, 2025, and ending September 30, 2025, Ameren Illinois’ supply price (known as the Price to Compare) will increase by roughly 50 percent, going from around 8 cents per kWh to around 12 cents per kWh. This will result in an approximately 18%-22% total bill increase ($45/month) for the typical residential customer for the summer period, depending on usage.
Why is my bill increasing so dramatically?
The increase is a result of many factors that have created the perfect storm. Power supply prices are going up because of global market pressures, and recent public policy has prioritized renewable energy (solar and wind)—which has resulted in many fossil fuel plants closing, creating a capacity shortage in the region that covers Ameren Illinois customers.
Ameren is my electric company, but I receive my energy supply through a municipal aggregation contract/alternative retail electric supplier; what impact will I see?
Nearly half of Ameren Illinois customers receive their electricity from an Alternative Retail Electric Supplier (ARES) or through an aggregation contract set up by their municipality. The new market rates will only impact those who receive their electric supply through Ameren Illinois’ Basic Generation Service.
Those who are supplied through an ARES or a municipal aggregation contract should check their bill for their supply rate and know the terms of their contract. Customers can find their rate and supplier information by locating the “Electric Supply” portion of their Ameren Illinois bill.
Customers can visit the Illinois Commerce Commission website at www.pluginIllinois.org to learn more about electric choice.
Ameren is only my gas provider, will this rate increase impact me?
No. The increases announced in 2025 are limited to Ameren electric supply rate prices.
Ameren is not my electric company; will I see any impact?
Only customers who receive their electric supply through Ameren Illinois’ Basic Generation Service will be subject to paying the new market prices.
When can I expect to see my Ameren electric bill increase?
The increased supply rates will go into effect in June, which will be payable by customers in late June/early July. Customer billing cycles vary.
I can’t afford my bill, what can I do?
There are several opportunities for individuals to seek out assistance with energy bills, both electric and gas, including the following:
- Many utility companies offer budget billing programs, which set monthly bill amounts at predictable amounts for which customers can financially plan. Ameren Illinois offers a program, and more information can be found on their website at the following: https://www.ameren.com/illinois/account/customer-service/bill/budget-billing
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that provides qualifying households with monetary relief for their energy bills. More information can be obtained by calling 1-877-411-WARM (9276) or visiting https://www.ameren.com/illinois/residential/energy-assistance/liheap.
- United Way
- The Salvation Army
What can I do to lower my energy bill?
There are a variety of simple things you can do in your home to lower the cost of your bill this summer, including the following:
- Turn off the air conditioning and open your windows on cooler evenings or in mild weather.
- Close your shades to block out the sun’s heat during the daytime.
- Set your thermostat up by 5 degrees when leaving home for more than 3 hours. Dialing up your thermostat can save up to 10% on your air conditioning bill.
- Whenever a light bulb burns out, replace it with a compact fluorescent light bulb.
- Set your refrigerator to keep your food at 38 degrees. Don’t let the food compartment get too cold; it will freeze your fruits and vegetables and waste energy.
- Keep your air conditioning duct vents clean and clear. Don’t block the cool air from getting to you.
Ameren Illinois has several videos on their websites with tools and tips: https://amerenillinoissavings.com/residential/energy-savings-center-tips-tools/
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends detailed energy-saving tips for spring and summer to use your windows to keep out heat, operate your thermostat efficiently, use fans and ventilation strategies to cool your home, keep your cooling system running efficiently and much more. Detailed tips and tricks can be found on the Department’s website at: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips
What are the biggest energy wasting habits that could be increasing my bill?
- Leaving the Lights On
- Using Incandescent Bulbs
- Leaving Electronics Plugged In
- Powering an Empty Chest Freezer
- Browsing Your Refrigerator
- Running the Dishwasher Half-Full
- Washing Clothes in Hot Water
- Setting the Water Heater Thermostat Too High
- Not Programming Your Thermostat
- Forgetting to Change Air Filters
Should I be worried that I won’t have air conditioning this summer?
Supply constraints can increase the risk that insufficient generation will be available during periods of extreme temperatures and high energy usage. In the unlikely event that this would occur, Ameren Illinois has a process to reduce electric load with minimal impact on residential customers.
What is a controlled brownout?
A controlled brownout is when an energy company plans to turn off connectivity for a set amount of time (example: 1-2 hours per day). This is done to avoid unexpected blackouts, which could leave customers without power for days or weeks.
What is the difference between brownouts and blackouts?
The biggest distinction between brownouts and blackouts is that brownouts are partial outages while blackouts are a complete shutdown of electricity. During a brownout, the system capacity is reduced, and the voltage is typically reduced by at least 10 to 25 percent. Should Ameren need to implement a controlled brownout, customers can expect to get notice ahead of time.
Is Ameren Illinois or the State of Illinois going to profit from this rate increase? No. Ameren Illinois is a delivery-only company and does not profit from energy supply. The cost of energy supply makes up about one-half to two-thirds of a customer’s energy bill and is passed directly, dollar-for-dollar, with no mark-up. The State of Illinois does not regulate supply rates, they are based on the market. Illinois does regulate delivery (formula) rates, which comprise one-third of customers’ bills.