July 21, 2026

Market update

Since late June, wholesale electricity prices in Illinois have reached roughly three times their previous levels and early July is headed in the same direction or above. Because your account is on a variable-rate plan that follows the wholesale market in real time, these higher costs are already showing up in the supply portion of your electric bill.

Why prices increased

The increase is being driven by higher wholesale market costs during a period of extreme summer demand. Across the Midwest, extreme heat, record electricity demand, and unplanned power plant outages have put added stress on the grid, forcing operators to rely on more expensive generation and contributing to higher wholesale.

To maintain reliability during these conditions, grid operators also must secure enough available generation capacity, which adds to overall supply costs. As a result, both energy and capacity costs have moved higher.

How your rate responds

With a variable-rate product that reflects the wholesale market in real time, these market increases are already being reflected in your bill. When wholesale prices move up, your rate moves up; when wholesale prices come down, your rate can respond more quickly in that direction as well.

Our variable rate is designed to pass through market costs as they change. Our margin over the wholesale market has not changed, and these increases are not the result of any additional mark-up.

How this differs from utility pricing

Utilities recover these same market costs later, through their next rate change. In general, utilities estimate future supply costs and expected customer usage, then later “true-up” the difference between forecasted and actual costs through a future adjustment.

How you can respond

  • Use our Service Match program. If you find a lower fixed rate offered by another licensed third-party energy supplier, bring us the rate along with the offer’s terms and conditions and we will match that fixed rate for you.
  • Review your recent bills and contact us if you would like help understanding how your variable rate is calculated and how market changes appear on your statement.
  • Take steps to reduce or shift usage away from peak hours, such as slightly raising your thermostat, delaying laundry or dishwashing, and turning off non-essential lighting and equipment.

This market movement is affecting electricity costs across the region, and Illinois has been part of that broader price volatility. The goal is to keep customers informed, explain why these increases are happening, and provide options to help manage energy costs.