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June 9, 2026 – As Ameren Illinois customers face higher electricity costs this summer, the Citizens Utility Board is warning consumers to be cautious about offers from alternative energy suppliers that could end up costing even more.
Ameren’s new summer electricity supply price, which took effect June 1 and runs through September, is 11.326 cents per kilowatt-hour. The rate includes the utility’s supply price, a transmission charge and a supply cost adjustment. According to CUB, the new rate is 39 percent higher than Ameren’s summer supply price two years ago.
Despite the increase, CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said most customers are still likely better off staying with Ameren’s default electricity supply rather than switching to an alternative supplier.
“We urge Illinois consumers to carefully review any alternative electricity supplier offer pitched to them,” Moskowitz said. “Customers have lost far too much money to alternative suppliers over the last decade. Even in this high-priced market, Ameren is probably your best bet for electricity supply.”
CUB estimates Illinois consumers have paid roughly $2 billion more than necessary by signing up with alternative electricity suppliers since 2015. The consumer watchdog notes that while Ameren’s rates have increased due to factors including rising electricity demand and new data center development, alternative suppliers face the same market conditions and may charge even higher prices.
The organization is supporting legislation known as the “No More Utility Bill Rip-Offs Customer Protection Act,” which would place additional restrictions on alternative suppliers, including limiting rates to no more than 10 percent above utility supply prices and requiring customers to approve automatic contract renewals when rates increase.
CUB is also warning consumers to carefully read the fine print of any supplier contract. The group advises watching for low introductory rates that later increase significantly, monthly service fees, and “force majeure” clauses that could allow suppliers to change contract terms during market disruptions.
The watchdog further cautions residents against sharing utility bills or account information with door-to-door sales representatives. Doing so could expose customers to a practice known as “slamming,” in which consumers are switched to a different supplier without their full consent.
Consumers currently enrolled with an alternative supplier are encouraged to review their bills regularly and compare supply charges to Ameren’s current rate. Those paying more can typically switch back to Ameren without a penalty, although the process may take up to two billing cycles.
For customers struggling with higher summer energy costs, CUB recommends improving home energy efficiency, exploring payment plans through Ameren, checking eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and considering community solar options.
Additional energy-saving resources and consumer guidance are available through CUB’s online help center.
