Rising Power Prices

Why is this happening?

• Supply and Demand – Inflation, the war in Ukraine, increased consumption, and the closure of coal-fired electric generation facilities have caused a shortage in energy availability.
• Energy shortages are driving wholesale power prices to record levels.

How are power prices set?

• The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) buys wholesale electricity for residential and small commercial customers who have not made the switch to an alternative supplier. Utilities like Ameren Illinois are required to fulfill the IPA's pricing contracts and deliver that power to customers.
• A subcomponent of supply, the capacity charge, is paid to electricity generators to ensure that there is enough power available on days when demand is high (like on extremely hot days). Capacity prices are set according to an annual auction conducted by the federal grid operator – MISO.
• Important: Ameren Illinois does not profit from energy supply. The costs of energy supply are passed through directly to our customers, dollar-for-dollar.

How much more will the typical customer pay for power supply?

• The typical Ameren Illinois residential customer will see a $626 annual increase on the power supply side of the bill, or an average of $52 or more per month throughout the year.
• These additional supply charges will take effect in June.

How will this impact Budget Billing customers?

• To lessen the year-round impact on the monthly amount you owe, we are making a special adjustment to account for the current rise in energy supply costs.
• Your Budget Billing amount is reviewed three times a year and adjusted based on your energy usage and changes in energy costs. This special adjustment will take affect at your next scheduled review.
• Your increased Budget Billing amount still helps to stabilize your costs over a 12-month period.

What if I receive my power from an alternative supplier?

• The price impact will depend on the agreement between you and your retail supplier (which Ameren Illinois does not have knowledge of). Approximately 60 percent of Ameren Illinois customers are served by a third-party supplier.
• Neither Ameren Illinois nor the IPA establishes power prices for alternative suppliers.
• As a delivery-only company, Ameren Illinois supports customers’ ability to choose an alternative electric supplier.
• Customers can visit the Illinois Commerce Commission website at www.pluginillinois.org to learn more about electric choice and review a list of approved suppliers.