Illinois
Electric bills set to jump for Ameren customers in Illinois this summer. Here’s how much
Electric costs for Ameren Illinois customers across the state are likely to increase around 20% this summer.
The company said that depending on usage, the monthly bill for a typical customer could increase between 18% to 22% between June and September. That translates to somewhere in the range of $37.62 to $45.98 more on monthly bills, according to the Citizens Utility Board.
CUB said that the supply charge for customers could increase to 12 cents per kilowatt hour on June 1, a 50% increase from the current rate. Ameren said that the specific supply charge, also known as the “price to compare,” will be made public the week of May 26.
On Friday, the state’s Plug In Illinois website listed the price to compare at 12.18 cents per kilowatt hour, in line with the estimates. Ameren’s current rate, charged October through May, is 8.2 cents per kilowatt hour.
Why are Ameren Illinois electric rates going up this summer?
The increase comes after Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s planning resource auction last month showed reduced capacity for electricity across the region.
Ameren said that it is required by the state of Illinois to secure its electric capacity from generators such as MISO and pass on the costs without markup.
The price for capacity makes up more than half of a typical energy bill, according to Ameren. The increase is slated to last for four months, with prices expected to drop in October when winter rates go into effect.
CUB released a statement Thursday calling on Ameren to help customers struggling to pay their bills as a result of the price increase. It put the blame on MISO for introducing a new pricing methodology – the Reliability-Based Demand Curve – that it says compromised affordability during the last auction.
CUB said that Ameren does not profit off of the increase in prices for electricity – only on delivery-side rate hikes, which this is not. Both Ameren and CUB said that the price increase highlighted the need for further help to increase resource supply in Illinois.
“Balanced solutions, including transmission, energy storage, renewables, natural gas, nuclear, energy efficiency, and demand response, are needed to provide residents and businesses with affordable and reliable energy,” Ameren said in a statement.
CUB is currently supporting a pair of bills in the Illinois General Assembly – SB2473 and HB3779 – that would expand energy efficiency across the state and help programs that can reduce the demand on the electrical grid. Sarah Moskowitz, executive director for CUB, said that people should check on their friends, family and neighbors to make sure that they keep cool during the hot summer months.
“High bills can be stressful, so we ask people across central and southern Illinois to check on neighbors, friends and family this summer to make sure nobody is taking risks by keeping their homes too hot,” Moskowitz said. “Long-term, this price spike just shows we’ve got to keep working for consumer protections for electric customers.”
Ameren recommends that customers explore options for flexible payment plans and other energy-saving incentives by logging on to amerenillinois.com/options.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois narrowly passed its first major test of the season Tuesday night, outlasting No. 11 Texas Tech in a back-and-forth battle at State Farm Center that marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Tuesday night’s matchup at State Farm Center in Champaign marked the Illini’s first true test of the 2025-26 season, coming off two comfortable wins versus Jackson State and Florida Gulf Coast. Illinois leaned on sophomore guard Andrej Stojaković and veteran guard Kylan Boswell to gain control of the game in the dying minutes while Orange Krush’s energy helped seal a defining November win.
After an underwhelming debut against Florida Gulf Coast, sophomore guard Andrej Stojaković heavily contributed to Illinois’ offensive efficiency, boosting them to a 13-point halftime lead after shooting 5-for-5 from the field in the first half. After finding driving lanes in the paint to keep Illinois ahead late in the second half, Stojaković finished with 23 points on 11-for-16 shooting and sealed the win with a decisive block in the last minute of his breakout game for the Illini.
“You’ve got a couple guards that are physical and downhill, and then you’ve got guys who can shoot it and create some space,” said Illinois head coach Brad Underwood. “Andrej is a tremendous value, he was much better tonight. The other night, he was a little sped up. I don’t think we played as fast tonight.”
On top of Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland referring to Boswell’s defensive presence as a “stump”, he was the engine for Illinois today finishing with 22 points and a few clutch free throws that helped him narrowly reach the 1,000 point career milestone on a night to remember.
Although the Illini were without forward Tomislav Ivišić, his twin brother Zvonimir and Big Ten Freshman of the Week David Mirkovic stepped up in the paint to fill the hole that Tomislav left. Big Z finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks as Mirkovic tallied 11 points and four rebounds.
International guard Mihailo Petrovic also remained sidelined after being listed as questionable in what would’ve been his Illinois debut.
The gritty matchup gave Illini fans their first look at how they would stack up against a ranked opponent, showing just how far they have come since last season’s tournament run by defeating one of the best programs in the nation.
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Veterans Day holiday is celebrated on Tuesday, November 11th, honoring the service and sacrifice of all veterans.
The holiday began as Armistice Day in 1918, a celebration at the end of World War I, and evolved into a way to honor all U.S. veterans and those currently serving in the military.
It was made an official federal holiday in 1938.
Government workers are given a day off work on Veterans Day, although this year, many of them are not at work due to the longest government shutdown in the country’s history.
Are Illinois schools open on Veterans Day?
The Illinois State Board of Education says Veterans Day is considered a “legal school holiday” but “school activities are permitted.”
Rockford Public Schools have November 11th off to observe Veterans Day. Other schools in the surrounding area are also off.
Is there mail delivery on Veterans Day?
The U.S. Postal Service is closed in observance of Veterans Day, but UPS and FedEx will remain operational for the holiday.
Are banks open on Veterans Day?
Most banks across the country are closed for Veterans Day, although the U.S. stock markets are open for trading.
Is the DMV open on Veterans Day?
All Secretary of State’s offices will be closed on Veterans Day, in observance of the holiday.
These restaurants are offering deals on Veterans Day
- Applebee’s – Free full-size entrée from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military.
- Buffalo Wild Wings – 10 free boneless wings + fries for veterans and active-duty military.
- Chili’s – Free meal for veterans and active-duty military.
- Chipotle – Buy one entrée, get one free (4–8 p.m.) for military community.
- Cracker Barrel – Free Sunrise Pancake Special for veterans.
- Denny’s – Free Original Grand Slam® (5 a.m.–noon) for veterans and active-duty military.
- Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Free pulled pork sandwich for veterans and active-duty military.
- Golden Corral – Free meal during Military Appreciation Night (4 p.m.–close).
- IHOP – Free Red, White & Blueberry Pancake Combo for veterans.
- Little Caesars – Free HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) for veterans.
- Mission BBQ – Free sandwich on Veterans Day.
- Olive Garden – Free entrée from special menu (includes soup/salad + breadsticks) for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in only).
- Outback Steakhouse – Free three-course “Aussie” meal for veterans/active duty on Nov 10 & Nov 11 with valid military ID (dine-in).
- Red Lobster – Free “Veterans Shrimp & Chips” entrée for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in only).
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews – Free “Red’s Big Tavern Burger” for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 (dine-in).
- Scooter’s Coffee – Free medium drink for veterans/active duty with valid ID on Nov 11 (mobile order not available).
- Starbucks – Free tall brewed coffee (hot or iced) for veterans, military servicemembers and military spouses on Nov 11 (café & drive-thru only).
- Texas Roadhouse – Free meal for veterans/active duty on Nov 11 at participating restaurants.
Editor’s Note: Our latest weather story on the winter storm can be found here.
Several schools across the Chicago area have announced closures, delays or switches to e-learning ahead of a winter storm beginning late Sunday night.
More than half a dozen schools announced closures, or moves to e-learning protocols, ahead of the anticipated snowfall, according to the Emergency Closing Center.
Below is the latest list of schools that have announced closures, early dismissals or switches to e-learning for classes on Monday.
| Dist #125 (Atwood Heights) | Alsip | Delayed 1 Hour |
| Dist #128 (Palos Heights) | Palos Heights | Delayed 2 Hours |
| Horizon Science Academy Southwest | Chicago | Closed Tomorrow No Evening Activities |
| River Forest School Corporation (Madison St) | River Forest | Closed Tomorrow E-learning |
| Dist #1 (Momence Community Unit) | Momence | E-learning |
| Crown Point Community School Corp | Crown Point | Delayed 2 Hours |
| Lake Station Community Schools | Lake Station | Closed Tomorrow E-learning |
The announcements come as a winter storm warning was set to take effect for Cook, Kankakee and Lake counties in Illinois, as well as Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties in northwest Indiana.
Dangerous to impossible travel conditions due to lake effect snow were expected, the National Weather Service stated. Snowfall rates could exceed three inches per hour, and total snow accumulations in excess of 12 inches were possible, meteorologists said.
Track an updated list of school closings across the Chicago area here.
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