PEORIA — If an alternative electric supplier promises cheaper energy, a switch in power companies might actually increase your monthly bill.
That was one of the tips offered this weekend at a money-minded meeting hosted by energy-consumer advocates gathered in Peoria. Representatives from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition offered a discussion — "Save Energy, Save Money: A Community Conversation about Efficiency" — often aiming at keeping power bills as low as possible.
Early, the forum focused on alternative energy suppliers, known for aggressive door-to-door sales pitches. This year, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law legislation sponsored by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, demanding stronger consumer rights regarding sales approaches and deals from alternative suppliers.
Two years ago, some suppliers could offer rates lower than Ameren Illinois, said Scott Allen, environmental outreach coordinator for Citizens Utility Board. However, since then, Ameren's rate has dropped — currently, it's 4.561 cents per kilowatt hour — to a level that alternative suppliers cannot match.
People are also reading…
"If you've switched to an alternative supplier ... there's a chance you're paying too much," Allen said.
Though Ameren's rate might change Oct. 1, Allen expects it to remain cheaper than alternative prices. Like alternative suppliers, Ameren buys power from energy providers but strikes volume deals.
"They're hard to beat," Allen said. " ... They're able to get a good price."
However, Allen said, consumers can opt out of alternative agreements without penalty.
Further, with a little research, ratepayers have multiple opportunities to make dollar-saving changes to their bills or homes, said Marisa Joyce, regional community outreach lead for Elevate Energy, a not-for-profit advocate for consumers and the environment. More than insulation, she advocated air sealing — blocking cracks and openings that allow drafts.
Of Ameren options for service and billing, Power Smart Pricing can show immediate savings, Joyce said. Many consumers are unaware that energy costs fluctuate during the day. Low-demand times (such as nights and weekends, when fewer businesses draw on electricity supplies) mean cheaper rates. Under Power Smart Pricing, a consumer pays not the average rate but real-time prices, which most of the time are lower. Subscribers in the program pay $2.25 a month but save $10 to $20 a month on their bills, Joyce said.