ComEd and Ameren Price to Compare
The current residential supply price for ComEd and Ameren Illinois, how it has moved, and what it means for the credit solar homes get for exported power.
Quick answer
What is the Price to Compare for ComEd and Ameren right now?
For October 2026–May 2027, ComEd's residential Price to Compare is about 10.1¢ per kWh and Ameren Illinois' is about 10.4¢ for the first 800 kWh a month. It covers supply and transmission, resets each June 1 and October 1, and sets what new solar systems earn for exported power. Next change: June 1, 2027.
How has the Price to Compare changed?
| Period | ComEd | Ameren (first 800 kWh) | Ameren (above 800 kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026–May 2027 (current) | 10.1¢ | 10.4¢ | 8.3¢ |
| June–September 2026 | 10.4¢ | 11.3¢ | — |
In 2026 the summer price was higher than the October price for both utilities. ComEd's averaged about 8.3¢ in 2025, so its current price is about 22% higher than last year's average. We add each new period here when it takes effect.
What does the Price to Compare mean for solar?
For systems connected since January 1, 2025, ComEd and Ameren credit the power you export at about the supply rate, so the Price to Compare is roughly what each exported kWh is worth. Power you use as it's produced is worth more, because it also avoids delivery charges and taxes.
| Period's rate | Chicago, ComEd (~4,800 kWh exported) | Peoria, Ameren (~4,960 kWh exported, first-800-kWh price) |
|---|---|---|
| October 2026–May 2027 | $485 | $518 |
| June–September 2026 | $499 | $562 |
A higher Price to Compare raises your bill for every kWh you buy and raises the credit for every kWh you export, so solar homes feel price swings less than homes without solar. It also makes using more of your own solar, for example with a battery or by shifting laundry and EV charging to the daytime, worth more. See Illinois net metering and the battery rebate.
When does the Price to Compare change next?
- June 1: the summer price takes effect for June through September.
- October 1: the non-summer price takes effect for October through May.
- January: the transmission part can change, which nudges the total.
The next scheduled change is June 1, 2027. The Illinois Commerce Commission's Plug In Illinois site posts each new price. To see what today's rates mean for your home, try the solar savings calculator.
Sources
Price to Compare FAQ
What is the Price to Compare?
It's the price per kWh ComEd or Ameren Illinois charges for the electricity supply on your bill, including transmission. The Illinois Commerce Commission publishes it so you can compare offers from alternative retail electric suppliers. Delivery charges, customer charges and taxes are separate.
How often does the Price to Compare change?
Twice a year for supply: on June 1 for the summer (June–September) and on October 1 for the rest of the year (October–May). The transmission part can also change each January. The next scheduled change is June 1, 2027.
What does the Price to Compare have to do with solar?
For Illinois solar systems connected since January 1, 2025, power you send to the grid is credited at about the supply rate, which tracks the Price to Compare. When it rises, exported solar earns more; when it falls, it earns less. See what ComEd and Ameren pay for excess solar.
Why does Ameren have two prices?
Ameren Illinois prices residential supply in two tiers. For October 2026–May 2027, usage above 800 kWh a month costs 8.3¢ per kWh, versus 10.4¢ for the first 800 kWh.
Should I switch to an alternative electric supplier?
Compare any offer with the Price to Compare for the same months, and check for variable rates, monthly fees and early-termination fees. If you have or plan to get solar, ask the supplier how it credits exported power before you switch, since that can differ from the utility's supply credit.
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