Energy Alert – Illinois Wholesale Electricity Prices Have Increased
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.
Increased Costs for Regulatory Oversight
Should Illinois gas utilities avoid regulatory oversight and continue allowing politicians to authorize them to spend BILLIONS to do their job? Previous articles highlight the fact that Nicor has spent billions and increased consumer’s costs, all to perform maintenance work that was NOT done for decades.
Gas utilities have a monopoly to deliver natural gas. They get paid to spend money to maintain their pipeline service network. That is; they ONLY make money when they SPEND money. However, they want to get paid more to maintain their network without any guarantee that what they spend produces benefits for the consumers.
Citizens Utility Board is trying to raise awareness that politicians should NOT give additional guarantees to utilities to do their job. Especially if it raises your costs without any requirement that the maintenance becomes useful for serving your gas needs.
Please follow the link below and lend your voice to responsible utility oversight.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: Eliminate the QIP Surcharge (salsalabs.org)
Natural gas surges 14% as cold snap ahead is expected to boost demand
US natural gas futures surged 14% in early January 2022. This is on top of recent increases beginning in the fall of last year. In early October into November 2021 oil and natural gas prices surged.
Natural gas is a commodity purchased from suppliers (including utilities) at published prices. Typically, the price referenced is the NYMEX. All natural gas suppliers are impacted by the same cost increase. However, some suppliers such as utilities can delay the impact due to their regulatory price recovery. This can be understood when utilities do not share storage with their third-party suppliers. Natural gas in storage will not increase when the market price does. Those utilities can appear to have a lower price when in fact they just bought the gas during the summer and stored it. Michigan utilities operate like this; they do not provide their customer choosing a gas supplier with their share of storage volume. Therefore, the energy suppliers in Michigan cannot readily offer storage to their customer. Illinois utilities share their storage volumes equally between choice and tariff customers. Therefore, Illinois customer choice customers have nearly 20% of their winter gas purchased during the summer. Realgy calls this our Storage Program see Storage – Realgy Energy Services.
Natural gas pricing was not expected to rise significantly. However, Covid, weather, and consumer behaviors changed that forecast.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations. Currently we are in construction of our 8th project with the park district of Highland Park.
Additional Information:
How Will the Natural Gas Shortage Impact Fuel Dealers and Homeowners? – OILMAN Magazine
Natural gas surges 14% as cold snap ahead is expected to boost demand (cnbc.com)
Realgy Wins Award For 2020 Lowest Residential Electricity Rate in Illinois
PRESS RELEASE
Realgy Wins Award For 2020 Lowest Residential Electricity Rate in Illinois
11 NOVEMBER 2021 | BY: REALGY, LLC
Energy research group Find Energy highlights outstanding electricity companies throughout the country. They recently announced Realgy Energy Services won the coveted award for Lowest Residential Rate in Illinois for 2020.
Data compiled found Realgy’s average residential rate was more than 35% below the national average. Find Energy also reported Realgy’s residential customer bills are about 22% lower than the US average.
President Michael Vrtis says, “This is a testament to our operations team’s commitment to uphold competitive prices and our customer care team’s dedication to providing top service. We appreciate our community and their continued business allowing us to best serve the state of Illinois.”
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://findenergy.com/providers/realgy-energy-services/
Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas customers should expect higher heating bills this winter
U.S. homeowners will see heating prices increase by as much as 54% according to the EIA. Ameren and Nicor are already warning Illinois customers to expect 30% higher bills. High demand, low supply, weather impacts, and natural gas inflation are forecast to cause commodity pricing to be the most expensive it’s been since 2008.
The utilities expect their cost to be 75% higher per therm this winter. If we have a milder winter, pricing impact should be lower. However, there are various ways to assist customers such as purchasing gas when it’s cheaper in the summer, energy savings tips, and payment and budget plans.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/ameren-illinois-nicor-gas-customers-should-expect-higher-heating-bills-this-winter/
Illinois Shines
With the rise of solar usage, incentives are more available now and many are implemented through state programs. Illinois Shines was created by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) to support developments for distributed solar generation and community solar. Monitored in accordance with the Future Energy Jobs Act, the IPA purchases Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from community solar projects and sets costs through the Adjustable Block Program known as Illinois Shines.
Community solar benefits areas that cannot install rooftop arrays due to limited space, high costs, and issues with zoning laws. Illinois Shines increases solar access for residents that may not easily receive green energy while also providing information and inspections for vendors to become approved.
Illinois Shines’ evaluation of Realgy Energy Service’s solar arrays at Ridgeland Recreation Complex recently concluded. They state Realgy’s project is in compliance with program guidelines. We are proud to serve the Illinois community and help the state meet its renewable energy goals.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://illinoisshines.com/
Fight Robo-Scams
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) advocates for Illinois’ citizens. They fight utility rate hikes, promote environmentally friendly programs, and keep their consumers informed. Last month, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a statement denouncing a robocall that told residents if they vote by mail, their information will be shared with various organizations.
CUB created a guide full of information on how to reduce calls from scammers and what not to do when you receive these calls. This is updated to warn you of the most recent scams people have encountered. For example: voting misinformation, government imposters, electric rip offs, bogus COVID-19 tests, and more. You can order a free copy or a printer- friendly version here which offers tips on avoiding scams that would rob you financially and/or of your rights.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/
Illinoisans demand stricter coal ash rules, denounce state proposal
Coal is still about 50% of the fuel used to generate electricity in the U.S. nationwide with a larger percentage in the Midwest.
Combustion of coal results in large amounts of non-combustible material called coal ash. The remains include heavy metals such as arsenic, chromium, lead, and mercury. All these substances are poisonous or carcinogenic and can leach into ground water.
Illinois residents insist Governor Pritzker propose rules for storing coal ash to prevent ground water contamination. Currently when coal ash piles without a liner are rained on, the contaminates flow into the ground water.
A primary concern for advocates is coal ash impoundments near sources of drinking water via municipal systems or private wells.
Coal use as a fuel is reducing, however, it will continue as a fuel source. Our science and technology should be used to prevent it from poisoning our water sources.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://energynews.us/2020/08/14/midwest/illinoisans-demand-stricter-coal-ash-rules-denounce-state-proposal/
Illinois is protecting Utility customers from disruption during pandemic
The Illinois Commerce Commission has passed a COVID-19 protection response for Illinois Utility customers.
The relief is intended to protect consumers from loss of utilities during the pandemic.
Relief is available in the following areas:
- Disconnection
- Waiving Deposits
- Payment Plan
- Bill pay assistance
The assistance has the following limits:
Please contact your Utility to apply. Documentation will be required.
To find your utility’s contact, look at your bill or you can find it here: https://realgyenergyservices.com/customer-services/web-links/#1551681878726-b1861abf-f0df
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/20200618_COVIDconsumerprotections.pdf
Peoples Gas blows away record with first-quarter profit growth
What happens when a public utility gets approval from politicians to spend money? They do it, a lot of it. The result is record profits for public utilities.
Peoples Gas’ net income increased over 20% to $81.3 million. This was at a time when gas deliveries were down. They moved less gas to consumers.
So, how do you make more money and move less gas?
Through surcharges. Politicians approved costs that DO NOT have to be reviewed and approved by the Illinois Utility Regulatory Commission. These surcharges were approved in 2013 as a way to expedite repairs. However, Peoples has utilized this law to increase charges while maximizing revenue. Peoples’ parent company WEC Energy boosted its dividend payment by 7% this year.
Illinois legislators should review this law and amend it so rate payers do NOT continue to enrich corporations, which in-turn enriches politicians.
Insight into Peoples’ massive gas project can be reviewed: https://realgyenergyservices.com/state-orders-new-probe-of-massive-peoples-gas-project/
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2020/06/10/peoples-blows-away-record-with-first-quarter-profit-growth-2/