Ameren Illinois

The term “deregulation” sounds complex, but it simply means you have the power to choose your energy supplier rather than being limited to one. Illinois deregulated its energy market in 1997, allowing private energy suppliers to compete with utility companies like Ameren. As a result, Illinois customers can now choose from various options for power suppliers. With many available companies, it’s important to compare Ameren Illinois rates per kWh in 2023 with other suppliers in your area.

Note that deregulation does not mean a lack of oversight. The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees all Illinois utility companies, including rates and tariffs for electricity and natural gas services in Ameren Illinois utility’s service area. You can contact the commission through its website or by calling the Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795 to resolve any disputes with your supplier.

Choose Energy can be a one-stop shop for all the resources you need to understand deregulation and choose the supplier or Ameren Illinois plan that meets your needs. Enter your ZIP code to get started, or explore our guides to learn more about:

• How switching works
• How to choose the best plan for you
• Lowering your electric bill
• No-deposit energy plans

One key feature of deregulation is the distinction between a utility company and an energy supplier. Your utility delivers electricity or natural gas to your home and maintains the energy infrastructure. Your supplier sells your energy to you in the form of an electric plan. Ameren Illinois is a utility. However, it also supplies electric or natural gas service to those who choose it. 

Whether you buy your electricity from Ameren or through another electricity provider, Ameren Illinois will maintain the power grid and deliver your service. If you live in Ameren’s service area, call Ameren customer service about outages, as your utility company is responsible for maintaining power lines and infrastructure.

If you live in Ameren’s service area and don’t choose an alternative retail supplier, you will most likely default to service through Ameren for electric and natural gas. To determine if you’re getting a good deal, consider the Ameren Illinois price to compare. This is the electricity supply rate per kWh for service through Ameren. From Oct. 1, 2023, through May 31, 2024, Ameren electric rates in Illinois will be 8.107 cents per kWh for 800 kWh of usage and below. For usage greater than 800 kWh, the rate is 7.094 cents per kWh.

Enter your ZIP code to see if you can beat Ameren rates in Illinois by switching to a retail supplier.

A wide variety of energy providers operate within the Ameren Illinois service area. Popular suppliers include Direct Energy, Public Power, and Clearview Energy. 

Other providers may also be available in your area. The easiest way to explore all the options near you is by using the free Choose Energy marketplace. You can easily browse provider reviews, compare all-inclusive rates, and estimate your monthly bills in one place. Enter your ZIP code to discover which suppliers serve your Illinois neighborhood.

To report outages, or for questions regarding Ameren Illinois electric rates and billing, here’s how to contact the company:

• To visit Ameren’s website, click here.
• To report an outage, click here.
• Customer service number: 800-755-5000