About Ameren Illinois
As part of the Ameren Corporation, Ameren Illinois is one of the largest electric and natural gas utility companies in Illinois. Based in Collinsville, the company provides electricity to 1.2 million customers and natural gas to 816,000 customers across the Prairie State.
Ameren’s service area includes Champaign, Peoria, Springfield, and many other communities in central and southern parts of Illinois. In fact, according to the company, its territory covers 43,700 square miles — which is about three-quarters of Illinois.
Ameren Illinois price to compare
As an electricity consumer in Ameren Illinois’ service area, you have the freedom to sign up with an energy provider of your choice. Otherwise, you’ll purchase power from Ameren and be charged the utility’s default rate — also known as the price to compare (PTC). For residential customers, Ameren Illinois’ current PTC is 8.136 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This price is valid through September 30, 2024.
Ameren Illinois electricity rates
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate* |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Energy - Green 6 Month Fixed Rate | 6 months | $0.083/ kWh |
| Smart Energy - Green 12 Month Fixed Rate | 12 months | $0.085/ kWh |
| Smart Energy - Green 18 Month Fixed Rate | 18 months | $0.086/ kWh |
| Public Power - Electric 6 Month Standard Fixed Rate | 6 months | $0.090/ kWh |
| Constellation - 6 Month Home Power Plan | 6 months | $0.090/ kWh |
| Public Power - Electric 12 Month Standard Fixed Rate | 12 months | $0.095/ kWh |
| Public Power - Electric 15 Month Standard Fixed Rate | 15 months | $0.096/ kWh |
| Public Power - Electric 24 Month Standard Fixed Rate | 24 months | $0.102/ kWh |
| Constellation - 12 Month Home Power Plan | 12 months | $0.105/ kWh |
| Constellation - 12 Month Green Home Power Plan | 12 months | $0.107/ kWh |
| Constellation - 18 Month Home Power Plan | 18 months | $0.107/ kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 6 | 6 months | $0.107/ kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 12 | 12 months | $0.115/ kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 18 | 18 months | $0.121/ kWh |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 12/21/2024, 8:17:32 AM CST for ZIP Code 61525. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
*All pricing shown in cents per kWh
How to switch Ameren electric providers
There are many power companies operating in Ameren’s territory. If you aren’t happy with your current service, you can use the Choose Energy marketplace to switch to a new provider. Here’s how:
- Submit your ZIP code: Get started by entering your ZIP code to browse rates and plans in your area.
- Browse and sign up: Use the sort and filter features to narrow down your search and find the best option for your household. When you’re ready to sign up for a plan, follow the prompts on your screen or dial the phone number on this page.
- Enjoy: Kick back and enjoy your new plan. Your provider will handle the transfer process without interrupting your current service.
Ameren Illinois service areas
Ameren Illinois’ service area covers the central and southern parts of the state. The utility serves over a million customers in major Illinois cities like Champaign, Decatur, Jacksonville, Peoria, Pinckneyville, Springfield, and Venice.
Difference between a utility company and an energy provider
In Illinois (and other deregulated states), energy customers can shop around and sign up with the electricity provider of their choice. Electricity providers sell plans to customers and manage your account and billing.
If you don’t choose your own provider, you’ll buy power from your local utility company (in this case, Ameren Illinois). It’s the utility’s responsibility to transmit power to residences and businesses, tend to power outages, and maintain electrical infrastructure within its service area. If your power goes out and Ameren Illinois is your utility company, you should contact them to restore it.
Electric providers available in Ameren’s service area
You’ll find many electric providers selling affordable plans in Ameren Illinois’ service area. Some of the best-known companies available on our marketplace include:
- Constellation Energy
- Direct Energy
- Public Power
- Smart Energy
Contact Ameren
If you experience a power outage, be sure to contact Ameren Illinois — and not your electric company. Here’s how to get in touch with the utility:
- Report an outage through Ameren Illinois’ outage center
- Call Ameren Illinois customer service at 1-800-755-5000
FAQs about Ameren
Do Ameren electric providers offer fixed rates?
Yes. Several reliable electricity providers sell fixed-rate plans in Ameren Illinois’ service area, including Constellation Energy and Direct Energy.
Is Ameren the only electric company in Illinois?
No. Commonwealth Edison (Com Ed) is another major Illinois utility company providing electricity to cities like Chicago, Elgin, Naperville, and Rockford.
How can I lower my Ameren energy bill?
Try to cut your energy consumption as much as possible, sealing leaks in your home, raising the thermostat, or lowering your water heater temperature. There are also other tactics that may help reduce your power bill, such as signing up for a more affordable plan with a cheap rate for your usage level.