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New Laws And Your Illinois Power Bills

Understanding your Illinois electricity bill can be difficult, especially when reading legalese becomes involved. And with several new laws taking effect this year, it may seem harder to predict your electricity costs. But don't worry. We're here to explain the new legislation affecting your power bills. And how you can save money with the best energy supplier.

New Illinois Power Shutoff Law

Signed into law in June, House Bill HB1541 amends the Illinois Public Utilities Act to protect consumers during extreme summer heat. In other words, electric and natural gas companies can't cut off service to residential customers with unpaid bills when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees. This also includes when there is a heat watch, advisory, or warning.

Chicago has been breaking heat index records in recent years. And with temperatures across the world skyrocketing, this sort of legislation can help prevent heat deaths. So while this change won't affect your electricity bill directly, it could save lives all across the state.

Illinois Rate Hikes Affecting Your Power Bills

Next are some changes that will directly affect your electricity prices. Back in November, the Illinois Commerce Commision (ICC) began reviewing and cutting proposed rate hikes from several major gas and electric utility providers. And while those hikes were cut dramatically, there's still going to be a few price differences.

Ameren customers can expect to pay an extra 4.33 every month on average for their electricity. However, natural gas rates should be about $17 less than they were last year. But that Ameren rate could increase if their amended grid plan design is accepted this spring.

Meanwhile, ComEd customers shouldn't see much of a price increase at all. The ICC rejected the utility's rate hike request because their proposal didn't comply with Illinois clean energy laws. However, ComEd is expected to return in the spring to offer a new rate hike proposal.

Don't Let Rate Hikes Get You Down

But you can avoid these rate hikes. By shopping for a lower fixed electricity rate, you can save money and lock in your rate throughout the year. So, using the Illinois average electricity usage of around 720 kWh a month, let's compare these rates.

If you're an Ameren customer, we have just the plan for you. The Xoom Energy Surelock 24 is offering a 2 year fixed rate at only 6.09 cents per kWh. There is a monthly charge of $4.99 to consider. But even with the monthly charge, compared to the current PTC rate you could save $15 a month. That's $180 in a year! In addition, you can sign up for the XOOM Energy rewards program, Xoom Extras. Their program helps earn you discounts, gift cards, and brings you more value than just an electricity plan.

If a long contract isn't right for you, then you can also check out NRG Home and their Flex Electric Choice plan. This 3 month fixed rate will only costs you 6.80 cents per kWh. Compared to the current PTC rate, you could save $13 a month. And without any pesky monthly fees to worry about, all those savings are yours to keep.

Shop and Save on Your Illinois Power Bill

Understanding what's affecting your electricity bill doesn't have to be complicated. And neither does saving money on electricity. That's because we not only help make choosing plans easier, we can help you save more. Compare and shop the best plans at https://www.ilenergyratings.com

Cut the High Cost of Winter Energy Rates

With winter temperatures on the horizon, you might be looking to reduce your home's energy costs. According to the EIA, homes that heat with natural gas could expect a 45% increase on their gas bills. And because natural gas fuels electric generators, your electric rates could rise, too. So if you’re looking to cut costs in other places to hold off the winter's chill, we’ve got three great electricity plans for you. Check out how to shop the lowest electric rates in Naperville.

Shop Long Term Savings on Electric Rates

Do you know the best part about Illinois’ electric rates? There’s no early termination fees. That means you can score the lowest prices with long term contracts. And if you have to switch later on, it's no problem. Constellation’s 36 Month Home Power Plan is just 8.99 cents per kWh. That's almost a whole cent lower than ComEd’s Price To Compare. With natural gas prices driving electricity rates higher, you want a long term plan that not only keeps your bills predictable but also gives you flexibility.

Get A Quick Holdover

Not interested in dealing with a long term plan? No problem. How about a quick three month plan? NRG Home offers its Flex Electric Choice Plan at just 9.4 cents per kWh, which is about .5 cents lower than the ComEd rate. Score some savings while you’re waiting for your lease to end, or to just get you through those rough winter months. Just be sure to remember that at the end of 3 months, your contract continues on a month to month basis at a variable rate.

Get a Whole Year of Cheap Electric Rates

You may be asking why you’d pick a plan that’s higher than the ComEd rate. Well, the ComEd rate isn’t set forever. It expires in February. But that means that if prices suddenly jump in February, you’re out of luck. Check out the Premier Pick 12 month plan from Santanna. By grabbing a fixed rate plan that’s only .06 cents more than the standard offer, you don’t have to worry about your rates suddenly changing overnight. And, should rates drop, you can just switch.

Save On Your Electric RatesToday

Don’t fret about what the future holds. A fixed-rate plan can help you save this winter and even through summer. Shop and compare all the different options and find the right plan for you. Looking for other ways to save this winter? Check out a bunch of energy saving tips and tricks you can use to save even more on your monthly bills.

For plans, and informtation on your electricity company, check out www.ilenergyratings.com