There's a new tool to compare electricity rates between alternative and major suppliers in Illinois.
In anticipation of a big marketing push from alternative suppliers to draw in new customers, the Citizens Utility Board is introducing a free online calculator so consumers can see what would they pay with an alternative supplier versus Ameren. CUB spokesman Jim Chilsen warns while some alternatives can offer better deals; others have become "desperate" to sign up new customers.
"There are some marketers going door-to-door who are very desperate and will do or say just about anything to get people signed up. Unfortunately, a lot of times people are getting signed up for very bad deals."
In order to compare prices to Ameren, you'll need the alternative supplier's rate per kilowatt-hour, its monthly fee, and your estimated monthly power usage.
The calculator is available at CUBPowerCalculator.com.
