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ComEd announced that its energy efficiency programs have helped northern Illinois customers save a total of $13 billion on their energy bills, demonstrating the significant impact utility-sponsored efficiency initiatives can have on household budgets. The award-winning program has delivered substantial cost reductions across residential and business accounts throughout ComEd's service territory.

Last updated: 2026-04-24

TL;DR: ComEd's energy efficiency programs have saved Illinois customers $13 billion total, offering rebates on appliances, home improvements, and business upgrades. However, Illinois residents can also save by switching from ComEd's default electricity rate of 9.6¢/kWh to competitive suppliers that often offer rates 10-15% below the utility default.

What ComEd's $13 Billion in Savings Means for Your Bill

ComEd's energy efficiency programs represent one of the largest customer savings initiatives in the Midwest, according to the Illinois Commerce Commission. These programs focus on reducing overall electricity consumption through rebates, incentives, and education rather than changing your electricity supply rate.

The $13 billion figure represents cumulative savings since the programs launched, covering everything from LED light bulb rebates to major commercial building retrofits. For the average residential customer, this translates to hundreds of dollars in annual savings through reduced electricity usage.

However, efficiency programs address only one side of your electricity bill equation. While these programs help you use less electricity, Illinois residents can also save by paying less per kilowatt-hour through competitive electricity suppliers.

How Illinois Energy Efficiency Programs Work

ComEd's efficiency programs operate separately from your electricity supply choice. These programs offer rebates and incentives for energy-efficient appliances, home improvements, and business equipment upgrades that reduce your overall electricity consumption.

The programs include rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances, smart thermostats, LED lighting, and home weatherization improvements. Business customers can access incentives for efficient HVAC systems, lighting retrofits, and industrial equipment upgrades.

These efficiency measures reduce your total electricity usage, which lowers your bill regardless of whether you buy electricity from ComEd or a competitive supplier. The savings compound when combined with competitive electricity rates.

Why Illinois Residents Have Two Ways to Save

Illinois electricity deregulation means customers can save money through both efficiency programs and competitive electricity rates. ComEd continues to deliver electricity through the power lines, but you can choose who supplies the actual electricity commodity.

ComEd's current default electricity rate stands at 9.6¢ per kWh for residential customers. Competitive suppliers in Illinois often offer rates 10-15% below this default rate, particularly during shoulder seasons when wholesale electricity costs are lower.

The key difference is that efficiency programs reduce how much electricity you use, while competitive suppliers can reduce what you pay per unit of electricity. Smart Illinois consumers take advantage of both opportunities.

Many customers don't realize they're paying ComEd's default rate when competitive options exist. Unlike efficiency rebates that require upfront purchases, switching electricity suppliers involves no upfront costs and can start saving money immediately.

Current Illinois Electricity Market Conditions

Illinois operates within the PJM electricity market, where wholesale prices have remained relatively stable during the current shoulder season. This creates favorable conditions for competitive suppliers to offer rates below ComEd's 9.6¢/kWh default rate.

Spring represents one of the best times to lock in competitive electricity rates, as wholesale costs typically increase during summer peak demand periods. Illinois customers who switch now can secure lower rates before air conditioning season drives up wholesale electricity prices.

The Illinois electricity market includes established competitive suppliers like Constellation, Verde Energy, and Dynegy, all of which offer residential plans through licensed brokers. These suppliers compete on rate, contract terms, and renewable energy options.

ComEd's delivery charges remain the same regardless of which supplier you choose, as ComEd continues to maintain the power lines and handle billing in most cases. Only the supply portion of your bill changes when you switch suppliers.

How to Access ComEd Energy Efficiency Rebates

ComEd customers can access efficiency rebates through the utility's online marketplace and participating retailers. The process typically involves purchasing qualifying equipment and submitting rebate applications with proof of purchase.

Popular rebate categories include ENERGY STAR appliances, smart home devices, and weatherization improvements. Business customers can access custom incentives for larger projects through ComEd's business efficiency programs.

The rebate application process usually takes 6-8 weeks for processing, with payments issued as checks or bill credits. Some participating retailers offer instant rebates at the point of sale, reducing the upfront cost immediately.

ComEd also offers free energy assessments for residential and business customers, identifying specific efficiency opportunities based on your property and usage patterns. These assessments can help prioritize which rebates will deliver the highest return on investment.

Combining Efficiency Programs with Competitive Electricity Rates

Illinois customers achieve maximum savings by combining ComEd's efficiency programs with competitive electricity supply rates. These strategies work together rather than competing against each other.

Efficiency improvements reduce your total electricity consumption, while competitive rates reduce your cost per kWh. A customer who reduces usage by 20% through efficiency measures and switches to a rate 15% below ComEd's default can achieve combined savings of over 30%.

The timing works well because efficiency projects often have longer payback periods, while competitive electricity rates can provide immediate monthly savings. The monthly savings from a competitive rate can help offset the upfront costs of efficiency improvements.

Gatby helps Illinois customers find competitive electricity rates that complement their efficiency investments. Comparing plans is always free, and the platform's Autopilot feature ensures you maintain competitive rates as your usage patterns change due to efficiency improvements.

What This Means for Illinois Electricity Bills Going Forward

ComEd's $13 billion in customer savings demonstrates the long-term value of sustained efficiency programs, but these programs work best when combined with competitive electricity supply rates. Illinois customers who take advantage of both opportunities position themselves for the lowest possible electricity costs.

The success of ComEd's efficiency programs also signals continued utility investment in customer savings initiatives. Future program expansions may include electric vehicle charging rebates, battery storage incentives, and enhanced smart home device offerings.

However, efficiency programs alone cannot protect customers from rising wholesale electricity costs or ComEd's default rate adjustments. Competitive electricity supply provides a hedge against utility rate increases while efficiency programs reduce overall consumption.

Illinois customers should view efficiency rebates and competitive electricity rates as complementary strategies rather than alternative approaches. The combination delivers both immediate monthly savings and long-term consumption reduction.

Taking Action on Your Illinois Electricity Bill

Illinois residents can start saving immediately by reviewing both their electricity supply rate and available efficiency rebates. With ComEd's default rate at 9.6¢/kWh, competitive suppliers often offer meaningful savings during current market conditions.

The process begins with understanding your current electricity supply arrangement. Check your ComEd bill to see whether you're paying the default rate or already have a competitive supplier. If you're on the default rate, competitive options likely offer immediate savings.

For efficiency improvements, prioritize rebates with the shortest payback periods, such as LED lighting and smart thermostats. These improvements provide quick returns while you research larger investments like appliances or weatherization projects.

Gatby's Autopilot platform manages competitive electricity rates automatically, ensuring you maintain optimal pricing as efficiency improvements change your usage patterns. Gatby has 4.8/5 stars from 500+ independent reviews and handles all the switching logistics for Illinois customers.

Written by Hash Manesia, Energy Market Analyst at Gatby. Hash Manesia covers deregulated electricity markets across Texas and the Northeast, helping consumers navigate plan selection, rate comparison, and energy policy changes.

Reviewed by the Gatby Editorial Team on 2026-04-24

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I sign up for ComEd energy efficiency programs to lower my bill?

ComEd customers can access energy efficiency rebates through the utility's online marketplace at ComEd.com or by visiting participating retailers. The process involves purchasing qualifying ENERGY STAR appliances, smart thermostats, LED bulbs, or weatherization services, then submitting rebate applications with proof of purchase. Popular programs include refrigerator rebates ($50-$100), smart thermostat incentives ($50-$75), and lighting rebates ($3-$10 per LED bulb). Business customers can access custom incentives for larger projects. ComEd also offers free energy assessments to identify the most cost-effective efficiency opportunities for your specific property and usage patterns.

What Illinois electricity providers offer the cheapest rates compared to ComEd?

Illinois competitive electricity suppliers like Constellation, Verde Energy, and Dynegy typically offer residential rates 10-15% below ComEd's current default rate of 9.6¢ per kWh. Specific rates vary based on contract terms, market conditions, and seasonal factors. Spring represents an optimal time to secure competitive rates before summer demand increases wholesale costs. Licensed energy brokers can compare current offers across multiple suppliers to identify the lowest available rates for your usage profile. ComEd continues handling electricity delivery and billing regardless of which supplier you choose, so switching only affects the supply portion of your bill while maintaining the same reliable service.

Am I eligible for ComEd rebates on energy efficient appliances in 2024?

ComEd residential and business customers throughout northern Illinois are eligible for energy efficiency rebates on qualifying ENERGY STAR appliances, smart home devices, and weatherization improvements. Eligibility typically requires purchasing equipment that meets specific efficiency standards and submitting applications within designated timeframes. Popular rebate categories include refrigerators, washing machines, smart thermostats, LED lighting, and home insulation projects. Business customers can access additional incentives for HVAC systems, lighting retrofits, and industrial equipment. Some rebates have income-based qualifications or limited funding that operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Check ComEd's online rebate marketplace for current program availability and specific eligibility requirements before making purchases.

Should I switch from ComEd to save money on electricity in Illinois?

Switching from ComEd's default electricity rate to a competitive supplier can provide immediate savings, as competitive rates often run 10-15% below ComEd's current 9.6¢/kWh default rate. Illinois deregulation allows customers to choose their electricity supplier while ComEd continues delivering power through the same infrastructure. The switch involves no service interruption, upfront costs, or changes to your monthly billing process. However, evaluate competitive offers carefully, considering contract terms, rate types (fixed vs. variable), and any early termination fees. Spring represents favorable market conditions for securing competitive rates before summer peak demand periods. Licensed energy brokers can help compare current offers and manage ongoing rate optimization to ensure continued savings.

How much can ComEd customers actually save with energy efficiency upgrades?

ComEd customers typically save $200-$600 annually through comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades, depending on home size, current equipment, and improvement scope. Individual measures deliver varying returns: LED lighting saves $40-$80 annually, smart thermostats provide $100-$180 in savings, and ENERGY STAR appliances can reduce costs by $30-$150 per appliance yearly. Whole-home weatherization projects often generate $200-$400 in annual savings. The $13 billion in cumulative customer savings represents thousands of participants over multiple years. Actual savings depend on current equipment efficiency, usage patterns, and electricity rates. ComEd's free energy assessments help identify the most cost-effective improvements for individual properties, prioritizing upgrades with the shortest payback periods and highest return on investment.

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