From the grocery store to the gas pump, prices are on the rise. Energy prices are not immune to global market pressures. To understand how higher energy costs will impact you, it’s helpful to know the components of your energy bill and how energy is purchased and delivered to you.
There are two main parts to your monthly energy bill: Supply, or the cost of generating electricity, and Delivery, the costs for Ameren Illinois to maintain the electric grid and distribute reliable power to homes and businesses.
The primary reason you will see an increase in your monthly bill is because of the increase in the electric supply costs, which are collected on your utility bill and paid directly to power generators. Ameren Illinois does not profit from these charges. Inflation, the conflict in eastern Europe, and the closure of coal-fired electric generation facilities have caused an energy shortage, increasing power prices across the country compared to the same time last year. The average residential customer is expected to see an increase of approximately $52 per month on the supply portion of their energy bill. The actual impact will depend on the amount of energy used.
One of the benefits of living in Illinois is that you have the choice to receive your power supply through the Basic Generation Service from Ameren Illinois or through a certified Retail Electric Supplier. We encourage you to explore all supply options that are available by visiting the Illinois Commerce Commission’s website for electric choice in Illinois. If you choose Basic Generation Service through Ameren Illinois, power is acquired by an Illinois state agency, and the costs are passed directly to you, dollar-for-dollar. Ameren Illinois does not control supply prices and does not make money on energy supply.
If you are facing difficulties paying your energy bill, please know that we are ready to assist. Ameren Illinois is offering lower down payments for extended payment agreements through July 31, along with other flexible payment options. For more information on the power supply issue, including bill payment assistance and energy efficiency programs, visit AmerenIllinois.com/Updates.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Mark
Chairman and President
