SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – lllinoisans are bracing for a significant hike in electric bills this summer as grid stress, rising demand, and legislative uncertainty converge. Beginning in June, the average residential customer in northern Illinois served by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) will see an increase of about $10.60 per month, while downstate Ameren Illinois customers face steeper hikes of 18% to 22%.
The increases stem from recent capacity auctions held by grid operators PJM and MISO, which saw prices skyrocket compared to last year — a symptom of high demand and constrained supply. Consumer advocates and environmental leaders point to the surge in energy use from data centers, electric vehicles, and heat pumps, combined with regulatory delays in renewable energy development, as key drivers.
“This is catching planners by surprise,” said David Braun of energy tech firm Intelligent Generation. “Demand is the highest it’s been in 30 years, but we’re not building fast enough to keep up.”
Northern Illinois’ grid is rated at “elevated” risk, while central and southern parts of the state are labeled “high risk” by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), which warns that reserve shortages could lead to blackouts if unaddressed.
The price hikes are fueling high-stakes negotiations in Springfield, where lawmakers are racing to pass a comprehensive energy reform package before their May 31 adjournment. Proposals on the table include incentives for renewable development, expansion of energy storage, and new accountability measures for large energy consumers like data centers.
Environmentalists are demanding stronger requirements on major electricity users, while business and labor groups warn that such policies could harm economic development. Meanwhile, nuclear energy is reentering the spotlight as lawmakers, including Republican Sen. Sue Rezin, push to lift remaining restrictions on new nuclear projects.
“Now is the time to send a message that Illinois is open for business in energy innovation,” said Rezin.
Complicating matters further, a sweeping bill passed by the U.S. House on Thursday could slash federal clean energy incentives, threatening Illinois’ solar industry and clean energy goals.
“There’s a real risk that this becomes the new normal,” said Sen. Bill Cunningham, a Democratic leader on energy issues. “But we still have a chance to shape what comes next — if we act quickly and decisively.”
While municipal electric utilities in cities like Naperville and St. Charles remain somewhat insulated, others, such as Springfield’s CWLP, anticipate eventual impacts as capacity prices ripple through the market.