ComEd Bills: Summer Price Hike 2024 | NBC Chicago
Illinois residents face higher electricity costs as ComEd bills surge approximately 10% this June, stemming from adjustments in capacity charges. This increase, impacting all ComEd customers, reflects the results of a PJM Interconnection capacity auction. while ComEd doesn’t profit from this hike, the utility’s role focuses on maintaining reliable electric service. The price surge appears under the “supply” portion, driven by wholesale market costs passed directly to consumers.Capacity charges, fluctuating each June based on energy use, are determined through an auction process. Attorney General Kwame Raoul challenged this process, citing flaws that unfairly increased prices. The Citizens Utility Board highlights that the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act offers some relief. News Directory 3 delivers timely updates on these critical issues. Discover what’s next for your energy bill as further rate changes loom in October.
ComEd Rate Hike: Illinois Consumers to See Increased Electricity Bills
Updated June 02, 2025
ComEd customers in Illinois will experience a noticeable increase in their monthly electricity bills starting this month. The utility attributes the roughly 10% average residential ComEd bill increase to adjustments in the capacity charge. This price hike impacts all ComEd customers and reflects the results of a PJM Interconnection capacity auction from last year.
ComEd clarified that it does not profit from this increase. The utility’s role focuses on the “delivery” portion of the bill, covering maintenance and upgrades to ensure reliable electric service. The increase appears under the “supply” portion, reflecting costs ComEd incurs on the wholesale market and passes directly to consumers without markup.
Capacity charges represent power supply costs for both current and future needs, ensuring sufficient capacity when required. These charges, a standard item on customer bills, fluctuate each June based on energy usage from the previous summer and electricity market conditions. Rates are determined through an auction process where electricity generators submit bids.
Illinois attorney general Kwame Raoul previously challenged the auction process, filing a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in March. Raoul called the auction “flawed,” arguing that it unfairly increased reserve power prices for consumers. He requested a new auction under revised rules already approved by FERC and sought refunds if a new auction wasn’t held before June 1. his office has not yet commented on the current increase.
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) noted that the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in September 2021, provides some offset to the ComEd price hike.Further rate changes are expected in October.
sarah Moskowitz, CUB Executive Director, stated that CEJA offers short-term relief. She added that CUB will continue working to address the root causes of the price spike, particularly PJM Interconnection policies. moskowitz urged ComEd to collaborate with customers to maintain service throughout the summer.
ComEd estimates the average monthly bill increase at approximately $10.06. The higher rates will be reflected on bills issued starting in June.